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Modifier Key Bug - MacBook Pro (Late 2008)
I changed the modifier keys so I could use a Windows keyboard with my MacBook Pro (Late 2008). I mapped the Control key on the keyboard to act as the Command key and vice versa. When I took my MacBook Pro on the road, I was unable to restore the defaults to make the Command key function normally on the laptop keyboard.
Now that I'm back at my desk with the Win keyboard reattached, the Restore Default settings does work.
It does not make sense that I could not restore defaults without the peripheral attached to the laptop.
Now that I'm back at my desk with the Win keyboard reattached, the Restore Default settings does work.
It does not make sense that I could not restore defaults without the peripheral attached to the laptop.
I’m bummed.
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Inappropriate?I have this exact same problem... I have a Mac Pro (xenon). In the modifier key settings I have 2 keyboards listed: apple keyboard and an unknown external keyboard. I only have 1 keyboard attached to the computer (the apple one). BUT... it doesn't matter if I set both of them to defaults, it always reverts back to the swapped Command and Control keys once I log back into the machine. I would like to delete the file /Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.keyboard... but it does not exist!
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Looks like you're in the area I was going to suggest. Good luck.
I ultimately found the answer for my problem somewhere in the Apple Discussion boards. Under System Preferences, Keyboard & Mouse, choose Modifier Keys..., then at the top of the drop down dialogue, you'll find a "Select keyboard:' option -- this is the area where you can choose a specific keyboard to modify.
1 person says
this solves the problem
1 Comment Add a comment
This solves the problem
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This worked for me. Note that you have to have the external keyboard plugged in to get the menu that lets you select the keyboard to configure.
There is a bug here. It appears to be that if you switch the modifier keys for an external keyboard then unplug the keyboard, the modifier key configuration continues to apply to that keyboard and not the built in laptop keyboard. -
Inappropriate?I've tried all of the simple solutions... like going into the system preferences. I the "default" button for both keyboards and tried multiple combinations... even setting one keyboard to the standard config and the other to the swapped config. No dice. The moment I log out and log back in... it goes back to the same way it was. Furthermore, the second keyboard I was talking about... i would plug back in and play with the configurations. Still no dice. Trust me, I have tried the basics. Still frustrated. Did you ever fix your problem Kevin?
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Oops, your reply says you found your fix. Good for you!
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Inappropriate?And good luck to you. When I switched to Mac, my expectations were really high. It's a nice machine, but still a computer. Buggy, flaky, frustrating.
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Inappropriate?I'm having this problem too. I was using 2 external PC keyboards, and swapped option and command.
Now I'm disconnected and on the road, but the settings are stuck with the mappings swapped. I'll try the fix suggested (selecting a keyboard from preferences) when I get home, but I'm kind of stuck in the mean time.
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Same problem as described above. Modified the keys for an external microsoft style keyboard plugged into a macbook pro, and couldn't change them back on the laptop's keyboard. To fix, I plugged in an external keyboard, selected:
System Preferences->Keyboard & Mouse->Modifer Keys-> Restore Defaults->OK
And the laptop keyboard is now back to normal. This same procedure would not work without an external keyboard plugged in.
I’m happy
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Inappropriate?I just bought a Logitech Illuminated keyboard.
Swapped modifier keys on "All" keyboards, worked fine for a week.
Now, no matter what I do, set to defaults, put them that way manually, or swap them, the "windows" key is Command and the "alt" key is Option.
I've boinked them back and forth every way and it just won't modify.
I even tried modifying the repeat and delay thinking I need to hit something that wrote back to the keyboard but still no joy.
Crap.
I’m Annoyed
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Inappropriate?Yup, had to plug in a USB keyboard. With the external keyboard plugged in, Mac OS X (Leopard) let me modify the settings of my Macbook Pro's internal keyboard. Heh, go figure.
I’m amused
1 person says
this solves the problem
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Inappropriate?HEY guys i found how fix the problem, just get or find a keyboard for mac (the slim ones with 2 usb port at both sides and connect it to the usb port of teh mac book por then go to system preferences/ keyboard & mouse/ Keyboard/ modifiers keys/ AND NOW APPEARS AT THE TOP THIS OPTION "SELECT KEYBOARD AND SELECT ALL") thats it problem fix hope dont have more problems
Alejandro Ariel
Costa Rica -
Inappropriate?Still a problem as of August 2009. I have a brand new unibody macbook pro, and used the modifier keys preference pane to set up my external keyboard, but can't undo the setting once the keyboard is disconnected.
I’m sad
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Inappropriate?HEY guys i found how fix the problem, just get or find a keyboard for mac (the slim ones with 2 usb port at both sides and connect it to the usb port of teh mac book por then go to system preferences/ keyboard & mouse/ Keyboard/ modifiers keys/ AND NOW APPEARS AT THE TOP THIS OPTION "SELECT KEYBOARD AND SELECT ALL") thats it problem fix hope dont have more problems
Alejandro Ariel
Costa Rica
I’m thankful
