At times, I will use the left and right cursor buttons -- the 4 arrows on the lower right on my laptop -- and rather than the cursor moving, it will change tabs to the left or right. It isn't an everyday thing but when it happens, it frustrates me. I use Firefox' latest build.
Why does it happen and how do I fix it?
Have a look in Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Ease of Access Center\Make the mouse easier to use and see if a setting there needs to be checked, e.g. Mouse Keys.
Thank you. Turn on mouse keys is unchecked. I haven't changed that setting since I got this two years ago. This isn't constant, just happens occasionally during normal use. I always think back to what I just did but nothing out of the ordinary has happened. No specific keys pressed, no specific website visited.
I'm not at my laptop but I believe the alt key is on the lest side. Cursor up/down/left/right is on the right. I only type with right hand due to disability. So I can't hit it. I Googled and can't find anyone else with my problem.
When the computer is turned OFF, you might try blowing out the keys with compressed air, in case dirt, dust, cat hairs, etc have got under the keys.
I have been fooling around and I don't find any key combo that makes the arrow keys switch tabs. If the cursor is hovered on the menu in a browser the arrow keys scroll through it.
It's very odd, I know. There are no pets, dust or dirt -- I'm young but in a nursing home since I woke from my year-long coma. I've tried to replicate it but can't.
Good you are doing as well as you are.
I'll ask for some help, stay tuned, it may be hours or days before someone else chimes in.
The next time that the keyboard's arrow keys go crazy, open the On-Screen Keyboard* and click on those left and right arrow "keys". If they do not cause a tab change in Firefox, then check the real keyboard again to be sure that the computer is still acting up.
If both the real and the virtual keyboard cause a change of tabs within Firefox, then we need to concentrate on Firefox plug-ins and settings. If only the real keyboard causes this tab change problem, then maybe the keyboard is going bad.
Since the problem comes and goes, it is unlikely to be software remapping key functions.
*Click on Start and begin to type
on-scre....
into the search field. Or keep a shortcut to this keyboard on your desktop while we troubleshoot this issue.
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