Occasionally, my PC / Windows acts as if the Ctrl key is stuck.  Any
mouse actions or key presses perform as if the Control key were held
down.

I have not been able to determine any rhyme or reason as to when this
happens.  Sometimes pressing Ctrl key will resolve the problem, but
other times it requires a complete reboot.

I have swapped keyboards, so it doesn't seem to be a hardware problem.
 I have disabled Sticky Keys, etc. from Windows Control Panel.

I am running Windows XP SP2 with all current updates on a ThinkPad T43 laptop.

Happy to answer any questions or provide further details.  

I will accept only an answer that has definitive information and
actually resolves this problem.

Thanks,
Michael

---

Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 17 May 2006 10:58 PDT

Hi mdowdie,

Here are some ideas.

1. Try pressing both the left and right CTRL keys at the same time and
see if that releases CTRL.

2. Go to Start / Settings / Control Panel / Accessibility Options /
Keyboard Options.
Turn off CTRL lock if it's on. 
If that solves it and to avoid future problems, press "Settings" 
Turn off "Press modifier key twice to lock".
Turn on "Turn sticky keys off if 2 keys are pressed at once".
Or turn off "Use shortcut" 

3. Clean your keyboard.

Cleaning Laptop Keyboard
http://www.computing.net/howto/simple/keyboard/

Is that any help?
hummer

---

Clarification of Question by mdowdie-ga on 18 May 2006 09:34 PDT

Hi,

> 1. Try pressing both the left and right CTRL keys at the same time and
see if that releases CTRL.

I don't know if I tried that yet, but will do so the next time it
happens.  On what did you base this suggestion?

> 2. Go to Start / Settings / Control Panel / Accessibility Options /
Keyboard Options.
Turn off CTRL lock if it's on. 
If that solves it and to avoid future problems, press "Settings" 
Turn off "Press modifier key twice to lock".
Turn on "Turn sticky keys off if 2 keys are pressed at once".
Or turn off "Use shortcut" 

I don't see a reference to CTRL lock anywhere in Accessibility
options.  All of the accessibility options are completely turned off. 
That's the first thing I checked.


> 3. Clean your keyboard.

This does not seem to be a hardware problem.  The laptop keyboard is
so new that it barely has fingerprints, let alone dirt.  The problem
occurs when I am using an external keyboard.  I first assumed it was a
problem with the keyboard, so I replaced it with a new one and the
problem persisted.

Thanks,
Michael

---

Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 19 May 2006 07:16 PDT

Hi Michael,

>> 1. Try pressing both the left and right CTRL keys at the same time and
see if that releases CTRL.

> I don't know if I tried that yet, but will do so the next time it
happens.  On what did you base this suggestion?

I read it on several websites, such as this one:

6. Shift (or Ctrl or Alt) seems to be stuck
"Usually this happens when the computer thinks a modifier key is still
pressed when it really isn't. Normally this is fixed by pressing both
the left and right modifier key."
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/tech_support/trouble.htm#q7

Hope it helps,
hummer

---

Clarification of Question by mdowdie-ga on 14 Jun 2006 09:00 PDT

I just went to ThinkPad Software Updater to see if any new updates
were available.  There is a new BIOS 1.27.  The release notes include
the following:

IMPORTANT NOTICE]
   Previously released BIOS 1YET60WW, 1YET61WW and EC 1.05(1YHT28WW)
   combination may cause a spontaneous wrong key input when you key input
   with an `external' PS/2 type keyboard.
     - Numeric characters(2, 4, 6 and 8) will be inserted internittently
       during cursor move with cursor keys.
     - A keyboard behaves as if shift key depressed until a shift 
       key is pressed.
        * You can only type only Uppercase characters. (Some keys 
          seem to keystrokes, because the shift cases are not defined)
        * Multiple selection with cursor keys
        * Numeric keypad will turn to cursor keys
   If you encounter these cases, please update with BIOS 1YET62WW and 
   Embedded Controller 1.04 or 1.03.
   (May 25, 2006)

I'm going to try the new BIOS update alone first.  But, from the
notes, it may also be necessary to downgrade the Embedded Controller
program.

Sadly, it looks like ThinkPad software quality may be beginning to slip with Lenovo.

---

Clarification of Question by mdowdie-ga on 14 Jun 2006 09:02 PDT

I'm reducing the payment for this question to $2, but will leave it
open as a resource for now.

Thanks to all who contributed.

---

Clarification of Question by mdowdie-ga on 14 Jun 2006 09:06 PDT

Update - just went to thinkpad.com web site.  It shows an Embedded
Controller Program version 1.06 that supposedly corrects this problem.
 It requires the upgrade BIOS 1.27, which may be why it didn't show up
in the Software Updater yet.   I'm going to try to install both these
updates and keep my fingers crossed that they correct the problem.

You mentioned that you swapped keyboards. Was this with a PS/2 port
(8-pin) or the USB? If it was PS2, perhaps one of the pins may be
faulty. If so, give a USB keyboard a go.

I would also try to reinstall keyboard drivers if there were any.

Also visit http://www.memtest86.com/ and run a RAM test. The chance
that bad RAM could be causing this problem are slim but nethertheless
possible.

I saw you are using ThinkPad T43 laptop right?
I correct, 
Do you install software call Keyboard Customizer Utility from IBM
Please Check Start Menu->ThinkVantage->Keyboard Customizer Utility
This util can configure key assignment as you like.
Try to disable it and test it.

Do you use Google Desktop? I recently tried using the "hit Ctrl twice"
function to bring up the Search box, and it seemed to (sometimes?)
cause Windows to act as if StickyKeys had been enabled, which has a
"press modifier key twice to lock" function.

I can't come up with a sequence that consistently causes this to
happen, so I'm not 100% certain that this is the cause of my problem
(which seems to match yours.) Setting my Google Desktop > Preferences
> Display > Quck Search Box > uncheck "Enable Quick Search Box with
Hotkey" SEEMS to have stopped this from happening again, but we'll
see.

I hope this points you in the right direction.

Cheers,
I am having similar problems with 5 new T43 laptops.  Here are my notes:

I recently deployed 5 ThinkPad T43p's, all with IBM TypeII docks,
external Mice and Keyboards of different varieties,Windows XP. All
five of these are experiencing this problem when the machines are in
the dock. No one has experienced this outside of the dock. (I must
note that I have deployed nearly 50 T43p's prior to these that do not
show these symptoms I'm about to describe.)
At random times the computer acts as if the Shift key is stuck in an
ON position. This has the same effect in any application the user may
be using. (letters are typed out in CAPS and using the pointing device
selects everything it clicks).
We have NOT found a way to turn this off when it does happen. It
usually just stops or the user gets fed up and reboots the machine.
Here's what I've tried to do to remedy/prevent this from happening: 
-Check "Sticky Keys" and Accessibility Options in Windows- everything
has been disabled
-BIOS updated, Embedded Ctrlr Updated 
-Uninstall IBM Add-on software. (Keyboard Cust. Utlty, Power Mgr, etc.) 
-Called IBM Support- they had no addtl. ideas and claimed no one was
experiencing this issue.
-Uninstalled Keyboard in Device Manager and let Windows reinstall it. 
The problem persists...at random times.

5/18/2006 9:09:27 AM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick - 
Disabled TPHKMGR from startup in msconfig on GHobbs machine.

5/22/2006 10:37:57 AM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick  
emailed and left vmail for George asking for an update

5/22/2006 12:42:19 PM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick  
George emailed and said he is not experiencing the issue after I
disabled the TPHKMGR from startup.

5/23/2006 1:30:24 PM (GMT-4:00)Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick
George phoned and said the problem continues to occur.

5/30/2006 3:07:18 PM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Standard Time, Logged by: Bush, Chris - 
Deleted the Docked Profiles and had Windows recreate them.  According
to George, if you simply open the lid of the laptop, then it stops 
Plus it only happens when docked.  Problems are continuing.  It is my
recommendation that we try rebuilding his laptop and/or swapping his
laptop out with a new one to try and follow the problem as it
hopefully will either cease, follow the laptop, or follow the O/S as
currently installed.

5/30/2006 4:47:26 PM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick - 
Opened Case# 12RSS35  with IBM Support.  They suggested swapping dock
or laptop with another we have in stock to see if problem continues.

5/31/2006 3:08:17 PM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick - 
Swapped George's dock out with an older TypeII Dock from Stock.

5/31/2006 3:08:36 PM (GMT-4:00) Eastern Daylight Time, Logged by: Marson, Nick - 
Swapped Anne White's laptop with another T43p.  Transferred the hard
drive over to the loaner.

6.8.06- Waiting on reports back from both users.

Have had the same issue on my new T43 since I got it 4 months ago.
Intermittenly sticks down the SHIFT, CRTL, or ALT key. Only seems to
happen when it's docked. Just trying to update it with the latest BIOS
& will report back if it fixes the problem.

Well I've installed BIOS update 1YET62WW(1.27) and thought it had made
a difference. Then just I as happen to be writing this comment
everything I type acts like Shift is pressed down. Now I've hit shift
a few times it's toggled it back off. IBM must acknowledge this as a
problem if we're all seeing the same issue.

Where can I log it with them?

I have the same issue, but with an hp pavilion zv5000. actually, it's
worse because the machine does not fix itself after reboot. The key
itself is not stuck as i have tried using vnc to access the machine
remotely and the problem persists...so i know it is not a hardware
issue, yet the computer acts as if it is pressed. It is not sticky
keys as i have checked it various times. It is not a dock issue as i
have no dock. And it is not at IBM issue either as it is an hp. it is
running xp home edition v2002 service pack 2.

this really sucks as i can't use the computer at all. each key press
becomes a command: open; close; find; blah blah blah control key hell!

there does seem to be some strange key combination that fixes the
problem however. i did it once and then the problem returned after
loaning the computer to my brother (of course i want to blame him but
i this is above is skills!). This is not, however, pressing both of
the control keys (aka sticky keys).

arghhhhhhhhhh................

use of the computer has been restored by downloading
http://www.softboy.net/keystroke-converter/ and disabling the control
keys. it is shareware but i am pretty sure there is a freeware version
available on the net (back on that later). nevertheless, this is a
dissatisfying solution to the problem.....why the hell do the control
keys stick??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Below is the link to a freeware utility that lets you block the
control key. I was able to solve my problem by blocking just one key
(go figure).

The other utility, by the way, worked but then started acting buggy so
i don't recommend it. This one however seems okay and is FREE.

http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html?%2FSystem_Utilities%2FKeyboard_Tools_t.html

Still don't have an answer or any sort of inkling why this is
happening...or how to fix it without disableing the key...

the app name is  KeyTweak 2.1.1
sorry

The Emdedded Controller Program v1.06 has fixed the problem for me. To
download this update use the IBM Software Installer.

I updated BIOS and embedded controller program, did not fix problem.
Sent to IBM for repairs, did not fix problem. Appears to only happen
with PS2 style keyboard, and when Num lock is turned on. Talked to IBM
tech support and the Tech suggested I try a USB keyboard. Didn't have
a USB keyboard, but had a USB Mouse/Keyboard adapter. That fixed the
problem. Ordered extra adapters to fix the other 3 that wouldn't work.
CDW has a Micro Innovations USB to PS/2 adapter for 12.56, CDW
#486112. You might be able to get one at Office Depot, etc. Will not
be ordering any more T43's.

Folks, I'm glad it's not just me....I have a $2000 HP laptop
(DV8219EA) that is driving me nuts with the same issue. Nothing of
note except the stuff it comes with instlaled (ie XP, Works,
antivirus...). Sometimes it's several times a day, other times I'll go
a week without triggering the "sticky control key". When it does
happen usually I end up losing all my work and rebooting. Clicking on
icons with the mouse or touchpad lights them all up and launches
multiple programs.

I don't have to have touched the control button for it to happen
(usually not in fact). If in all this Word or Powerpoint gets
triggered to open, a warning dialogue box comes up saying something
like "You appear to have the control key pressed - do you want to open
Word/PPT/etc in safe mode?" Well shucks to that, I DON'T have my
finger on the control key - and when I ran a freeware keyboard tester
program it claimed the control buttons were working fine.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!

I also have the same problem with a 2003 Toshiba A35-S159.  It's a
relatively new problem that's creeped into my computer (no external
keyboard) within the last couple of months.  Because of some other
BIOS problems, I erased hard drive and reinstalled Windows XP Home a
few weeks ago - no change.  I've seen this problem occur in MS Word
and in Explorer.  Shutting down and rebooting the programs only
appears to solve the problem until the next occurrence, but it's very
frustrating.  After reading the thread I installed the KeyTweak
program and disabled the CTRL key.  We'll see what happens.  If
someone discovers a real fix and not just a band-aid, please post. 
Incidentally, I started having problems around the same time I
installed Norton Systemworks 2006 with the Go-back feature.  Just a
shot in the dark, but could there be a corellation

Wow, been having the exact same for over a year.
- TP43
- Installed Google Desktop - but the problem occurs with or without
the double-ctrl feature (with the ctrl feature enabled, I just can't
out of the sticky situation
- Of course I have disabled all the disabilities software
- I did install all the latest everything (windows, office, google,
IBM Thinkpad) patched and software

- This happens to me when docked but ALSO when NOT docked
- While docked, I use a PS2 Microsoft Natural kayboard

I have never had to reboot my computer to fix this. I have a little
routine where I press twice on left shift, twict on left ctrl, twice
on left alt, twice on right alt, twice in right ctrl and twice on
right shitf and the problems goes away.

Basically, someone (Thinkpad software? Google? Microsoft? Port
replicator? Keyboard? IBM hardware?) gets confuses and thinks that
either the shift, the ctrl or the alt key is stuck down (it is not
always the same key... ).

Sorry, I don't have the solution however... :(. But I'm wondering is
google desktop is a common thread..? For now, IBM T43 seems to be the
common, although not unique, denominator. Maybe a piece of hardware is
common to all TP43 that is also the a few other laptops mentionned
here (bios? ps2 port?).

I know what is happening, and it's a common problem. This is the
result of the windows accessibility options being a buggy piece of
crap. It can happen if you hold down the shift key for 8 seconds- if
you hit "cancel" in the disability dialogue box that pops up, the
shift and control keys can get stuck. Although it happened to me
yesterday without a dialogue box popping up at all, so watch out.

The only thing that has ever worked for me is holding down BOTH shift
keys and then F7 all together, for several seconds. This disables the
filter keys (just unchecking the box in accessability settings doesn't
work, although you CAN change the settings to eliminate the shortcut
so that this doesn't happen again). The windows knowledge base says it
is enough to just hold down any two keys together, but it doesn't
work.

If the F7 method doesn't help either, check out the responses to this blog, here:
http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/002052.html

It has several other solutions in the comments that you can try. It's
NOT a hardware problem, or anything to do with the keyboard itself.

Well, this has been happening to me lately and it realy sucks.  I work
at a webdesign firm in WA so i'm constantly using my shift and control
keys.  I recently made a purchase of an HP Pavilion dv5000 to use as a
mobile unit for audio production and we/graphicsb work when i'm on the
go.

Lately i've been taking my notebook to work and just using it as my
main machine.  I'm on this thing anywhere between 8-12 hours a day,
and I run into the "locked" keys problem about once a day.

Usually it's something weird like my "shift" key being locked and
everything is IN ALL CAPS LIKE THIS.  Sometimes it's a different key
and I get strange symbols.  Today, it was my "windows" key that was
locked.  I noticed that whenever I hit the "M" key everything
minimized.  I didn't realize what was happening and then ended up
hitting "L" and logging out of windows.  Unfortunatly, the keys stayed
locked and "L" was part of my password.  I don't think I have to tell
you that I couldn't get in.

This really sucked because I had about 6 different programs running,
and I have a very nasty habit of forgetting to save as frequently as I
should.

I ran to the other side of the room and took the USB keyboard from one
of the Mac systems we have and plugged it in.  I was thinking "Maybe
it's my keyboard ...and this Mac keyboard will work."  I was hoping I
could log back in to Windows XP and disable whatever nasty feature was
doing this or find a solution on the internet.

Turns out that not only do the Mac keys work uneffected by whatever
stupid feature I might have triggered; it also disabled whatever it
was that I triggered because my notebook keys are behaving normally
again.

It cannot be a hardware issue if this is the case, besides the
notebook is so new!  These notebooks don't require much pressure or
velocity to strike a key.  I use the function/ctrl/shift keys so much
in conjunction with my arrows (my finger mouse pad too sometimes) that
it would not surprise me if I had rested on a key without knowing, or
perhaps hit something twice in a row.

I've disabled all those stupid accessibility options since then.

My suggestion is try to grab any old USB keyboard the next time and
plug it in to your computer when this happens.  You can feel free to
unplug it after your system recognizes it and resets the keyboard.

The following info was enough for me(it solved a problem i have had
for two days now)(Thanks):

1. Try pressing both the left and right CTRL keys at the same time and
see if that releases CTRL.

i purchased an hp laptop a few weeks ago and this has been a recurring
issue....double shift+f7 worked though

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE!!