Caps lock key opens my Microsoft Office Outlook.

[Mrs. J]

While just typing normally, the caps lock key works fine.  But should I wish to type in all caps, when I press the CL key, the Outlook comes up.  I'm using a logitech wireless keyboard and mouse on my Gateway desktop, model DX4831-01e Core i3 Processor, 6 GB DDR memory, 1 TB ATA hard drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW drive, Windows 7 Home Edition 64-bit.  Is there someone out there who can help me with this problem.  "Mr. Google" was no help at all or perhaps I wasn't using the correct search terms.  I'm thoroughly frustrated now as this has been going on for several days.

[soybean]

Did you install or remove any software just before this started?  I suggest you try taking your system back to the way it was before this problem by using the System Restore procedure, assuming you have a Restore Point that dates prior to the date this problem started. 

A reference: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/What-is-System-Restore

[Geek-9pm]

Do you have a standard keyboard and mouse? Does that work?
You do not need a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Here is just one of hundreds of similar posts found on the web:

I did not spend almost $200.00 for 2 keyboards/mouse to put them in a closet and use $15.00 ones!
LOL

The wireless keyboard scam is a conspiracy to stash wireless junk in our closets and antics.  Someday they will become active and the headlines will read:

Random attacks by defunct wireless devices.

[soybean]

You do not need a wireless keyboard and mouse.

The wireless keyboard scam is a conspiracy to stash wireless junk in our closets and antics. 

     Why in the world are you posting such non-sense?  If you're going to post such comments, I think you need to cite some references substantiating them.  I've been using a wireless keyboard and mouse with my Win XP system, with Office 2003, for years and have never encountered any such problem, and thousands of other users have undoubtedly done the same.

Edit: If you meant to suggest she try a wired mouse and keyboard as a troubleshooting step, then that would have made some sense.  If that's what you meant, a clear statement to that effect would have been helpful. 

[Salmon Trout]

I have heard of problems like this after a keyboard, wired or wireless, has been damaged by spillage of liquid into it. Also when one of the fancy "extra" keys is stuck down. Are you a mother, Mrs J? I wonder if this keyboard has been used/abused by very young children? And as it is a wireless keyboard another thing I would check is if the batteries need replacing (they don't last forever).

[Geek-9pm]

     Why in the world are you posting such non-sense?  If you're going to post such comments, I think you need to cite some references substantiating them.  I've been using a wireless keyboard and mouse with my Win XP system, with Office 2003, for years and have never encountered any such problem, and thousands of other users have undoubtedly done the same.

Can you give some references that show wireless keyboards and mice are useful and contribute anything worthwhile?  There are useless, overpriced, and cause a lot of trouble. The does not have to be documented because nit is already widely know.  It is common knowledge. In stead, I ask you  to produce any evidence that they are nothing more that another unneeded thing the market wants use to buy.
I recommend that the OP forget  forever the use of f frivolous keyboard and mouse wireless devices.These flaky overpriced gadget things should never have come to market.  They are in the same class as the pet rock and underwear for dogs. Totally worthless marketing hype. But at least the pet rock will not interfere with your typing.

[rthompson80819]

I've been using wireless mice for years and never had a problem with them, other than batteries dieing ( and I always have spares handy).  Once you use a wireless mouse, the wire on a wired mouse is a nuisance.  The only reason I'm not using my wireless keyboard now is that I've got an illuminated keyboard which requires a USB connection.

I'm not sure how this thread turned into a rant against wireless products.  I think ST was on the right track that this is a problem with the keyboard that has nothing to do with the fact that it is wireless.

[patio]

Can you give some references that show wireless keyboards and mice are useful and contribute anything worthwhile?  There are useless, overpriced, and cause a lot of trouble. The does not have to be documented because nit is already widely know.  It is common knowledge. In stead, I ask you  to produce any evidence that they are nothing more that another unneeded thing the market wants use to buy.
I recommend that the OP forget  forever the use of f frivolous keyboard and mouse wireless devices.These flaky overpriced gadget things should never have come to market.  They are in the same class as the pet rock and underwear for dogs. Totally worthless marketing hype. But at least the pet rock will not interfere with your typing.

I don't see how you judging a whole segment of PC hardware is contributing anything towards a solution...
Most of your claims are baseless.
I get way more mileage out of my wireless peripherals then you probably ever got out of a pet rock.

Please try to stay on Topic and contribute when you can.

patio.

[soybean]

Can you give some references that show wireless keyboards and mice are useful ? 

Unbelievable!  Do you really have no clue why, for example, newegg.com has more wireless mice (when all types are summed) listed than wired?  Read rthompson80819's post.  Then tell me, do you really not understand his reason - which is the reason practically all wireless mouse users like them - for preferring a wireless mouse?

There are ... overpriced ...

On average, they cost more than wired mice.  The reason for that should quite obvious; they are technologically more sophisticated devices.  Still, cordless mice at the lower end of the price spectrum are quite inexpensive.

There ... cause a lot of trouble. The does not have to be documented because nit is already widely know.  It is common knowledge.

Not true.  You have no evidence to support your statement and, again, the sales trends simply contradict your statements.

[jason2074]

when I press the CL key, the Outlook comes up

Mrs. J, are you sure just the CTRL(CL) key you are just pressing when capslock is on and outlook pops out?
You mention Win 7, but under XP system, if you go to Start->All Programs->Microsoft Office->Microsoft Outlook 2XXX and right-click mouse, Properties then Shortcut tab, there will be a shortcut key option set or none. While cursor is on that shortcut key, hold down CTRL then a CTRL + ALT will appear for you to set or add any letter then click apply. Try it on your win 7 system and hold CTRL key and see if it has same feature. Post back for any results.

[Geek-9pm]

The topic leads to the question of wireless keyboard suitability.
Found on New egg today.
Over 75% of reviews are positive.
If you think my rant was bad, -
read what users post on newegg.
Here are the negative ones
(Only one product is being consider, a wireless keyboard by MS.)

-----------------------------
Meh

By N/A (newegg.com)

Not a bad keyboard, I would not recommend (as always) wireless for gaming, but this is good for enjoying something on netflix with the family/

Plug and play with my Win7 PC, no drivers needed installed ; I love all the extra buttons, and it has everything labeled properly

Sometimes will not respond even within 3 feet of the adapter. You will be typing something and it will just cut out, so you have chunks that you have to go back and fill in
----------
Save your money

By N/A (newegg.com)

Comfortable and good functionality but very frustrating when it cuts out. Overall very unreliable and I wouldn't recommend it.

Comfortable typing angles and the keys felt good. Additional buttons were nice to have

Took mine back after 4 days. I originally had the receiver in the back of the computer figuring it should go at least 10 feet, so sitting on the floor directly under the keyboard it should be OK. Wrong. It would disconnect at random, and only worked a...
----------
Microsoft wireless keyboards are junk!

By Apollyon (newegg.com)

This is the second Microsoft wireless KB that I have owned and has been a problem. I know that I am picky but the things that I have been experiencing should really have already been resolved with wireless tech in 2010/11 I mean come on Microsoft.

It was very quiet at first and very comfortable

Became loud after 6 months ; Wireless adapter needed to be literally in front of it for it to work correctly ; random keys would stop working depending on where my hands were pressing on the wrist guard
----------------------------
Good Feel, Bad Connection

By Edgeivi (newegg.com)

I use my TV as my monitor and sit on my couch with the keyboard in my lap and if I move a little the keyboard stops working and i have to shift it around to get a signal again. I'm really torn about this keyboard. On one hand, it is super...

I have to say this is the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used (got one at home and work). The curve is a perfect compromise between a "natural" and standard keyboard. The palm pad isn't super squishy like some keyboards, instead it's a smooth...

The only complaint I have is that the usb receiver is garbage. The keyboard works well in some spots, but if you move it an inch it might not work at all. Being that it is wireless, the idea is to be able to move around a bit and with this keyboard yo
--------------------------------
Very Poor

By Aeron56 (newegg.com)

Avoid this keyboard.

Comfort Curve is fantastic - very comfortable keyboard

Connectivity Problems. Some keystrokes are not transmitted, some are duplicated. Sometimes the keyboard quits working for several seconds
-------------------------------
Was nice

By N/A (newegg.com)

Was a good keyboard while it lasted, gonna suck sending it back.

Typed quickly and quietly, moreso than the onscreen I have to use now

When it does get signal, it autotypes and brings up favorites menu before losing connection again. Either too much interference or a defect
----------------------------------
would give negative stars

By N/A (newegg.com)

key feel is good, which is why I bought it

doesn't work. Key lag is so bad even with the USB connector just 2' away makes this keyboard UNUSABLE. Total waste of money
----------------------------------

I only posted this because some here have their collective heads in the ground and never see negative reviews of popular products.
I will not add any moire to this thread. This is enough. Yes, there is more, but let's stop here. Than k you.

[BC_Programmer]

The topic leads to the question of wireless keyboard suitability.

No it doesn't.

[Geek-9pm]

No it doesn't.

Yes it does.

[Salmon Trout]

Yes it does.

Most of us have pretty much decided that the issue is probably one that can affect any keyboard, whatever its mode of connection to the computer. I don't think that there is anything intrinsically bad about a wireless connection for a keyboard, any more than I do for a router, a media streamer, a printer or a NAS box. Furthermore I don't really understand why you are getting your panties in a knot over such a trivial issue. I will cheerfully admit that I hate wireless mice because all the ones I have tried have an annoying tendency to sleep after a ridiculously short time and require a button press to wake them up. Maybe there is a better model I haven't tried.

[Geek-9pm]

Perhaps the OP will let us know if the problem is also present when using a wired keyboard.

Windows 7 has new shortcut keys,
Here is a video made two years ago.
The Best New Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts - Lifehacker

[Salmon Trout]

Perhaps the OP will let us know if the problem is also present when using a wired keyboard.

Sometimes you sound just like Billrich, Geek. Did you know that? I think the OP is long gone.

[Geek-9pm]

Sometimes you sound just like Billrich, Geek. Did you know that? I think the OP is long gone.

No, I had no idea that I was anything like Billrich.

[quaxo]

Geek, you posted reviews for what products? I see mice, I see keyboards, I see Microsoft. So I'm seeing reviews taken out of context from many different products. Sure, every product is going to get some bad reviews from people, so take many reviews from different products is hardly compelling evidence. I'm sure any of us could do the same for wired products.

I've had two Microsoft wireless mice. The first one lasted me 5 years with daily use, the outside of the mouse wore out before the innards did. I replaced it with another Microsoft mouse which I've had for two years. No issues with either. Batteries lasted for months and months. Before those, I had a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse set. Only issue I had was that the mouse was a battery sucker. Had to change every month. I have two wireless keyboard I use regularly at the moment. No problems with either.

Mrs. J, if you do come back, could you try with a wired PS/2 or USB keyboard and see if you still get the same issue? Generally, I've found wireless products to be ok, but it's possible that your keyboard is now faulty and sending out the wrong signal.

[Mrs. J]

Do you have a standard keyboard and mouse? Does that work?
You do not need a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Here is just one of hundreds of similar posts found on the web:
The wireless keyboard scam is a conspiracy to stash wireless junk in our closets and antics.  Someday they will become active and the headlines will read:

Random attacks by defunct wireless devices.

There are a lot of things I don't need, but my preference is for a wireless keyboard and mouse! 

[Mrs. J]

I have heard of problems like this after a keyboard, wired or wireless, has been damaged by spillage of liquid into it. Also when one of the fancy "extra" keys is stuck down. Are you a mother, Mrs J? I wonder if this keyboard has been used/abused by very young children? And as it is a wireless keyboard another thing I would check is if the batteries need replacing (they don't last forever).

Salmon Trout, Yes, I am a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother!  Been around computers for more years than I'd like to mention.  A full glass of water was spilled on the keyboard (by me!), and after several days of letting it dry out upside down on a towel, it still wouldn't function.  So, when all else fails, I said to myself, "Self, try the hair dryer."  I did that and everything works except for the problem I'm posting about.  It's really just aggravating and as you can see I can still use this keyboard.  But thank you for your reply. 

[soybean]

Well, unfortunately, liquid spills can be the demise of keyboards.  I've ruined one or two keyboards that way; they were wired keyboards but I don't believe that matters when it comes to liquid spills.  You'll probably have to replace it unless you can accept using it the way it is.

Aside from Outlook opening when the CapsLock key is pressed, does the CapsLock do what's it's supposed to do?   

[quaxo]

Salmon Trout, Yes, I am a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother!  Been around computers for more years than I'd like to mention.  A full glass of water was spilled on the keyboard (by me!), and after several days of letting it dry out upside down on a towel, it still wouldn't function.  So, when all else fails, I said to myself, "Self, try the hair dryer."  I did that and everything works except for the problem I'm posting about.  It's really just aggravating and as you can see I can still use this keyboard.  But thank you for your reply. 

Ah, that explains a lot. 

The keyboard is sending out the wrong signal to the receiver, likely because the water crossed paths or the key contacts, creating the wrong signal. I don't know how to explain it more simply than that.

You can do one of three things at this point:
1. Wait it out and see if further drying time helps.
2. Open the keyboard and pull it apart and make sure it's dry. (Not recommended)
3. Buy a new keyboard.

Sorry about the mess in this thread. Think the maid is on holiday. 

[Mrs. J]

Geek, you posted reviews for what products? I see mice, I see keyboards, I see Microsoft. So I'm seeing reviews taken out of context from many different products. Sure, every product is going to get some bad reviews from people, so take many reviews from different products is hardly compelling evidence. I'm sure any of us could do the same for wired products.

I've had two Microsoft wireless mice. The first one lasted me 5 years with daily use, the outside of the mouse wore out before the innards did. I replaced it with another Microsoft mouse which I've had for two years. No issues with either. Batteries lasted for months and months. Before those, I had a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse set. Only issue I had was that the mouse was a battery sucker. Had to change every month. I have two wireless keyboard I use regularly at the moment. No problems with either.

Mrs. J, if you do come back, could you try with a wired PS/2 or USB keyboard and see if you still get the same issue? Generally, I've found wireless products to be ok, but it's possible that your keyboard is now faulty and sending out the wrong signal.

Thank you for your help.  I should have mentioned in my post that I DID try a wireless keyboard and mouse, and they didn't cause the same problem.  I am just not wanting to accept the fact that I might need a new keyboard and mouse!  As I posted to Soybean  today, it's just an aggravating problem. 

[soybean]

I am just not wanting to accept the fact that I might need a new keyboard and mouse!

Well, you could only replace the keyboard.  If you got a wireless keyboard and continue using your current wireless mouse, you'd have two receiver units.  But, if you don't mind a bit more clutter, that's not an issue. 

Also, if you replace just the keyboard, you might consider getting a wired keyboard unless you have a strong preference for wireless.  For me, a wireless mouse is quite nice because of the motion involved in using a mouse.  But, that usually does not apply to a keyboard; it usually sits in one place. 

[Mrs. J]

Ah, that explains a lot. 

The keyboard is sending out the wrong signal to the receiver, likely because the water crossed paths or the key contacts, creating the wrong signal. I don't know how to explain it more simply than that.

You can do one of three things at this point:
1. Wait it out and see if further drying time helps.
2. Open the keyboard and pull it apart and make sure it's dry. (Not recommended)
3. Buy a new keyboard.

Sorry about the mess in this thread. Think the maid is on holiday. 

Thanks for your help.  My son (he's experienced at taking keyboards apart as his employees have spilled various liquids on their keyboards) took this one apart after it had been drying for 2 days.  It was still damp and I turned it over on a towel again for another 48 hrs.  Then, I used the hair dryer and it worked except for this one aggravating problem.  I can live with it, and the caps lock does what it's supposed to do except for when I just decide to start out typing in all caps. 
There sure was a mess in this thread!  Seems like I opened up a can of worms!  I've been using this Logitech keyboard and mouse for 8 years!  This is my 5th computer and the keyboard has been through 3 computers now.  So, I guess it's time to buy a new one! 

[soybean]

There sure was a mess in this thread!  Seems like I opened up a can of worms!

Sorry about that.  One particular member posted some non-sense and that, I, and others, felt, needed to be rebutted.  I figured that whole ordeal scared you away and you would not be back.  So, I'm glad you came back and provided more info about the situation regarding your keyboard.

[Mrs. J]

Sorry about that.  One particular member posted some non-sense and that, I, and others, felt, needed to be rebutted.  I figured that whole ordeal scared you away and you would not be back.  So, I'm glad you came back and provided more info about the situation regarding your keyboard.

As old as I am, nothing much scares me! I did try most of the suggestions that were posted, but none of them solved the problem.  So, I'll live with this problem until I can talk myself into buying a new keyboard and mouse or just a keyboard.  Thanks again for your help.

[quaxo]

As old as I am, nothing much scares me! I did try most of the suggestions that were posted, but none of them solved the problem.  So, I'll live with this problem until I can talk myself into buying a new keyboard and mouse or just a keyboard.  Thanks again for your help.

Yeah, don't let any pro or con advice dropped here sway you. If whatever works for you, then by all means...

Sometimes the liquid permanently damages the keyboard, even after it's dried. I had to order a new keyboard for a Compaq laptop after someone spilled a small bit of just drinking water on it. Even after completely drying it, 4 keys were unresponsive (A,S,D,F). $80 for a replacement from Compaq, not including what they wanted to charge him for putting it on (another $40 for a 3 minute procedure).

Funny thing is, with my old Toshiba laptop, I can't even count the number of times my drunk alcoholic brother spilled Jack & Coke on that keyboard and even leaked down in the system itself. Thing still worked completely fine. The screen went out on it eventually, nothing relating to the drinks though. And last month, a coffee was spilled on one of my laptops. No issues with it either.

Sometimes you just get lucky... 

[soybean]

In case you decide soon to buy a keyboard, I'll suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126191.  It has a "Spill-resistant design", per the product details on newegg's website.  A similar model from Staples: http://www.staples.com/Logitech-K120-Keyboard/product_869101?cmArea=page_rr

[Salmon Trout]

This crossed my mind... Outlook is surely opening because some kind of keyboard helper (or hotkey) program is running which looks out for when you press a key with a little envelope or some hotkey combination maybe. Prevent this from running and you won't accidentally trigger Outlook.
 

[Geek-9pm]

ctrl + shift opens Outlook
when caps lock is on, ctrl will open outlook

[soybean]

ctrl + shift opens Outlook
when caps lock is on, ctrl will open outlook

No, it does not.   

[patio]

Egads...

So what does it do if you don't have Outlook ? ?

Actually Mrs.J i don't believe anyone has mentioned it but could it possibly be a setting in Outlook itself ? ?

Worth a looksee...your keyboard may be fine...

[Salmon Trout]

Actually Mrs.J i don't believe anyone has mentioned it but could it possibly be a setting in Outlook itself ? ?

How so? I don't see how a program could start itself by detecting a keypress that happened before it started, if you see what I mean.

[Geek-9pm]

How so? I don't see how a program could start itself by detecting a keypress that happened before it started, if you see what I mean.

Welcome to Windows 7   

[Salmon Trout]

Welcome to Windows 7   

I have been using Windows 7 since December 2009 and its doesn't seem any different from its predecessors in this respect.

[quaxo]

ctrl + shift opens Outlook
when caps lock is on, ctrl will open outlook

No, it does not.   

Enough said.

Welcome to Windows 7   

Windows 7 likely has nothing to do with it.

Actually Mrs.J i don't believe anyone has mentioned it but could it possibly be a setting in Outlook itself ? ?

As far as I now, Outlook doesn't have such a function.

Seeing as this started with water spilling, most likely the keyboard is sending out the signal for the shortcut key that many keyboards have that opens the default mail program. If she installed Mozilla Thunderbird and set it as the default mail program, I bet it'd open when she pushed caps.

[Salmon Trout]

If she installed Mozilla Thunderbird and set it as the default mail program, I bet it'd open when she pushed caps.

So she should either disable whatever hot key processing application she is running, or go into its settings and disable the one that starts the email application. Or kill the Office Sidebar maybe?

[quaxo]

So she should either disable whatever hot key processing application she is running, or go into its settings and disable the one that starts the email application. Or kill the Office Sidebar maybe?

Actually, that might work. If the full software package is installed for the keyboard (not just the generic Windows driver), there is usually an option there to change or disable hotkeys. If the mail key is disabled, theoretically it should ignore that signal, regardless of it comes from the hotkey itself of through this malfunction. The keyboard doesn't know the difference, which is why it's doing it in the first place. If the caps lock is still doing what it should do (toggling caps) and triggering the mail program, telling the keyboard to disable the mail shortcut should make it only toggle the caps again. It will of course still be sending out that mail signal, but it should be harmlessly ignored.

Mrs. J, have you installed the software package that comes with that keyboard? If not, you might try that. If you lost the CD, look on the bottom of the keyboard for the name and model of that keyboard. The software should be available through Logitech.

[Mrs. J]

Mrs. J, have you installed the software package that comes with that keyboard? If not, you might try that. If you lost the CD, look on the bottom of the keyboard for the name and model of that keyboard. The software should be available through Logitech.
[/quote]

Checked with Logitech and my model is not listed and that's probably because it's 8 yrs. old.  LOL  My husband keeps telling me to, "Just go buy a new one!!!"  I just hate that there's a problem I can't fix.  I also tried different settings in Outlook but couldn't see anything that pertains to my problem.  Thanks again.

[Salmon Trout]

My husband keeps telling me to, "Just go buy a new one!!!"  I just hate that there's a problem I can't fix.

I'm with your husband. Computer accessories are disposable. Your time is worth more. You can't fix some things because modern stuff is not engineered to be repairable. Get a new $20 keyboard and move on. Just my 2c worth.