ctrl keys not working

[Alduins Khajiit]

I am having a problem with the crtl keys not working at random times in Windows 7. both ctrl keys have the same, they don't work when pressed. the problem can last anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours. I use them a lot so it is inconvenient when they don't work. the same problem exists with an external keyboard so I know it is not my keyboard. I googled the problem and it seems to be a common problem with XP/Vista upgrade laptops. but no solution has been provided anywhere. I was wondering if you can provide one.

 

[Ztruker]

I would suspect something that is running on your computer is causing the problem.

How often does it happen? Try booting to Safe Mode with Netwrking and run for awhile, see if it happens there. If not, foolow these instructions to figure out the cause: How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

 

[Layback Bear]

When you press the ctrl key all by itself what should happen?