Ever so often my laptop keyboard will switch from where you press keys to type to when you press keys they no longer type but instead open/close windows, start programs, etc.

Does anyone know what causes this and what can be done to correct it? I'm assuming there might be some keyboard combination that I'm hitting that's causing it to switch the keyboard mode, but i can't figure it out.

your windows/ctrl/alt keys may be sticking...

Sometimes windows just does that for whatever reason. It has happened on my PC before. I'm going to assume you tried rebooting and all of that fun stuff.

Yes, rebooting always fixes it. I've never had this problem on any of my other laptops (including my work laptops). I've also never has this problem on any of my desktops. The only difference that I can think of is that this laptop is running Vista and the other don't.

Stickykeys? That thing where holding shift for 5 seconds make a beepy menu popup?

No, no Stickykeys feature as far as I know. Holding shift for 5+ seconds doesn't do anything. Tired it again before posting just to make sure.

Sounds like your alt key is malfunctioning?

(Sticky keys is a solution that should not exist - Clean your keyboard! Grr windows.)

I would recommend checking your manufacturer's website for known issues. If you don't find anything, look for software fixes via Google. Otherwise, try using a USB keyboard (you could disconnect your if you want, it's just a simply ribbon) to see if the problem occurs with it as well.

Alt key is functioning fine and my keyboard stays clean.

Does anyone know where the Stickykey option is in Vista?

Control Panel > Ease of Access Center > "Make the keyboard easier to use"

You have to hit shift 5 times in rapid succession to make the menu come up. Also, it's a useless feature.

It's for the rtards.

Clearly it's not sticky keys or any of the other seemingly useless features in that menu. Everything is turned off.

Any other ideas?

Usually I can find solutions to these types of problems through google fairly easily, but this one hasn't produced any results that match the symptoms.

In the same way that you can clear the music off your iPod by selling it and buying a new iPod... overkill.

Usually the problem is that Ctrl or Alt or Windows is sticking. Tap them all and the problem should be resolved. It's probably caused by a specific app such as virtual machines, apps that simulate key presses (I've been making one so I know how easy it is to accidentally stick keys), or other apps that do special things with the keyboard.

It could also be Ease of Access/Accessibility as mentioned. Go in there and turn all that stuff off and make sure the shortcut keys are off too.

BTW for the shortcuts, you have to hold or hit right shift. Left shift won't trigger them. I've done it before when typing when I'm trying to think about how to start a sentence I'll be holding Shift down, or mindlessly tapping it.

I will say that it always happens in Mozilla Firefox, but only with this laptop. I've never had the problem with any of my other laptops or desktops. The only difference is that this laptop is running Vista.

All of the access/accessibility options are turned off. None of my keys are physically sticking. From a software stand-point, I have no idea what could be causing them to soft stick.