Filter keys?

Question

Hello

I noticed for the first time a new icon in my system tray. It looked like an old time alarm clock or stop watch. I downloaded AOL Communicator last night, but didn't install it. That's the only thing I can think of that made this appear. It didn't open when double clicked, or right clicked. All it said was "filter keys" when scrolled over. Any ideas?

thanks!

Flooby · Answer

If you open your Help and Support application in the Start menu and type filter keys in the Search box, then press Enter, you'll get several results, including Glossary.  Select that, then the F listing in the Glossary, and scroll to FilterKeys for an explanation of the function.  It has nothing to do with AOL.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Use 'Control Panel' , 'Accessibility Options' , 'Accessibility Options' , Keyboard tab , 'Use Filterkeys' box isn't ticked.

bashaner · Answer

When I opened accessiblity options in the control panel (category view only), and clicked on either of the two links it gave me an error message saying 'Windows cannot find '%SystemRoot%\System32\accwiz.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the start button, and then search.'    When I searched for FilterKeys in Help and Support I had to use the accessibility shortcut keys, since the accessibility options wouldn't open.  However, when I held 'shift' down for 8 seconds I clicked 'settings' to deactivate the key combination that turns it on, but it would not open.  It sounded like it opened the settings, but it did not.  I am wondering what even turned them on in the first place.   When I started typing this reply everything was in CAPS, until I hit 'caps lock' (which was supposed to make everything CAPS) then everything went to lowercase.  Now, everything is back to normal, but still happens to behave a little strange.  For instance, when I clicked to reply to these messages like every other time, it told me cookies are not enabled, or it said the page could not be displayed...   I have no idea what happened here?    thanks guys!

gryjhnhpe · Answer

If you still faultYou could try running SFC , which checks protected System Files for corruption & if found replaces them from reinstall..XP CD .If it prompts for XP CD , hold Shift key while inserting XP CD to stop Auto play.Use Start > Run & typesfc  /scannow  (space after sfc)---------------------If that doesn't work try a System Restore to point where it worked OK-----------------Then you may have to try a Windows Repair from boot of XP CD.Not the 1st R shown for Recovery Console but start XP Install then select the next R for Repair.Leaves installed programs & data intact but you will then need to download the Windows Updates again including SP1a if it isn't shown on your XP CD label.------------------Failing that might need a reinstallation of XP OS from boot of XP CD.The supersite link assumes Clean Install status so doesn't include step to delete existing partition at step 5 & so achieve Clean Install status.You this link & select XP Home or PRO then method , ie: Used Hard Drive , Multi_Page has text & large pictures of Clean Install.http://www.windowsreinstall.com/ Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html (Delete existing partition at step 10b for Clean Install) or use this link ( *** Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean Install ***)http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp Clean Install deletes existing partition (like FDISK)  &  Formats HD during Install of Windows XP  from XP CD.Set BIOS to use CD-ROM as 1st boot device usually by pressing 'F2' key during boot (startup),for some Computers press 'Del' keyRe-start Computer & when message 'Press any key to boot from CD' shows do it & let subsequent messages 'Press any key....' time out to Windows setup.

bashaner · Answer

gryjhnhpe I appreciate your time and effort replying! thanks a lot!

Windows General

Filter keys?

Was this post helpful?