Modifier Key Problem

[kxthoma]

A few months ago, my keyboard modifiers suddenly and completely stopped working in both FileMaker Pro and Pro Advanced. For example, I can no longer hold the key while click/dragging a field to duplicate the field. I must use the Duplicate feature from the menubar to copy of field.

I thought I would test this issue and see if FileMaker is detecting the modifier keys. I created a Test database with a button that shows a custom dialog with the result of "Get ( ActiveModifierKeys )" when the button is pressed. With every combination, the result is always 0. I have tried shift, option, command-Apple keys and every combination I can think of. They all show 0.

Also, I removed and reinstalled both FMP and FMPA and get the same results everytime.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions anyone?

[Genx]

Have you tried this on a different PC?..

Open up the data viewer (tools -> Dataviewer), create a new calc: Get(ActiveModifierKeys)

Hold down shift, and click refresh and see if there's any difference.

[RodSierra]

make sure your calc is unstored.

[kxthoma]

I tried the Data Viewer idea and got the same results. 0 every time.

BTW, I have restored the OS Keyboard Shortcuts to the default and am not running any FM plugins.

I tested the Data Viewer idea on another Mac, and it worked fine.

[Genx]

Try using another keyboard on your 'broken' Mac

[kxthoma]

I have tried this on a white Apple wired keyboard, my laptop's (PB G4) built-in keyboard, and another PC USB keyboard.

I get the same problem each time.

[Genx]

Maybe it's your computer?

Open up another application that you know also uses modifier keys and try that (i.e. microsoft word, hold down control and drag an image will make a copy).

[kxthoma]

I tried this in MS Word, and the modifier key worked just fine. It copied the image as expected. (BTW, it is option-drag to copy the image on a Mac.) So, it looks like it is something with FileMaker.

Maybe I should try to reinstall FMP and FMPA again?

[Ender]

If it's happening with different computers, then it may be something that's common with them all.

Is this a hosted file? Does it still happen in a new local file? Are there any plug-ins running?

[kxthoma]

The problem is not happening with other computers - only on my PowerBook.

It happens whether the file is local or hosted on FMSA. The only installed plugin is "AutoUpdate".

[Ender]

How about trashing the prefs (Library->Preferences->FileMaker Preferences)?

[kxthoma]

I tried trashing the preferences for both FMP & FMPA. This didn't work.

[Lee Smith]

Hi kx,

Have you tried the Repairing Disk Permissions, or defragmenting the Hard Drive?

Lee

[kxthoma]

I just ran Maintenance which repairs the disk permissions and other things. This did not fix it.

[Mark_N]

Do you use a 3rd party mouse control panel such as Kensington's Mouseworks?

Are you able to use text modifier key functions such as Option-4 for the cent sign? In other words, is the failure related only to mouse clicks/drags with modifier keys?

This is an interesting problem.

[kxthoma]

My laptop does not have a 3rd party mouse controller installed. I am using a Compaq mouse that has left, right, and middle scroll buttons. However, when I unplug it and use the laptop's trackpad/button, same problem.

I am able to use text modifier key functions such as Option-4 to produce the cent sign. It seems that the failure is only related to mouse click/drag with the modifier keys.

Thanks everyone for helping me with this problem. It has been quite an illusive one, and I really miss this feature (i.e. drag & duplicate, etc.). I used to use it all the time as I am a full time developer.

[spirit]

I have the same problem using both FM 7 and 8.5 on 10.4.8. My Option and Command keys do work in all applications including Filemaker. However these two functions do not work in Filemaker:

1. Option-Drag to duplicate a field

2. Command-select to select multiple objects.

These are very useful features and I wish they worked. If anyone figures out this problem please post the solution! I submitted a trouble ticket to FileMaker and hopefully they will respond.

Edited May 29, 2007 by Guest