A strange mouse & key issue-Help

[jozadyl]

my imac has a dual issue--both started at same time a day ago: When I hit enter or click in an area to begin typing the backslash symbol starts filling the area as if that key were held down. The key is not stuck. Pressing delete stops it. Also when I am on a drop menu the hilighted selection jumps eratically from one selection to the next. Using the arrow key stops it.

[DeltaMac]

I think you have some keys that stick. Have you tried a different keyboard?
Have you restarted since this started happening?

Go to your System Preferences, then International prefs, then the Input Menu tab. Click the box next to Keyboard Viewer. Now, click the flag menu that is now in your menubar. Click Show Keyboard Viewer. Now you will see an on-screen keyboard that will show each key as you press it, and (most important) will show you that each key releases when you release it. Test all your keys this way. You'll soon decide if the keyboard is good.

[jozadyl]

Thank you so much for quick response. Here is a screenshot of sys pref. I don't see international pref? advise. again thank you

[DeltaMac]

Ah, OK... 10.6 renamed that Language & Text.
Then, Input Sources, and select Keyboard & Character viewer,
And, click on the odd square icon that's in your menu bar, and choose Keyboard Viewer from that menu.

[jozadyl]

Strangely enough just going through the sequence you advised me to go through cured the problem. Whats up with that? I'm not complaining by any means--the issue was a real booger--It just seems strange that it fixed itself by those means eh?

[DeltaMac]

Probably a slight glitch in your system. Restarting may have fixed it, or the keyboard viewer will recognize the keyboard that's being used. That may also do some kind of reset for the input devices.
Glad it working OK for you now...

[jozadyl]

you the man! thnx.