Windows 7 - CTRL + F4 and ALT + F4 functions won't work

Hello. Thank you for your reply.

I did not write: "the shortcut control keys are not working in Windows 7".

I wrote that the CTRL + F4 and ALT + F4 key combinations ("close file" and "close program" respectively, my most commonly used key combinations - in ALL software programs) are not working, including Windows shutdown (ALT + F4 from the Windows Desktop).

As stated: "All the other CTRL and ALT key combinations work" as usual.

1. This is a (five-year-old) E-Machines desktop computer, model W3644. It was (one year ago) upgraded from WindowsXP to Windows7.

This was a completely new install onto a freshly re-formatted drive, first installing XP from an original Microsoft install disc (not the manufacturer's "restore" disc), then using the "upgrade" version of Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium) product to install Win7.

All other CTRL and ALT key functions have performed normally, seemingly unrelated to this particular (recent) key-combination condition ... and all other software and keyboard functions have operated correctly.

2. I do not use (Microsoft) System Restore, so that restore point has not been set. A restore point previously set (in Norton Utilities Version 15) pre-dated this event and has (more than once) been re-set since that occasion (I ran Norton's "Check Disc" and defragmenting options, 3 days after this malfunction began) so the restore will not revert to a point just prior to this particular event - only to the more recent points.
3. Other "control" functions (interrupts) work as usual, so it is not the keyboard. If the malfunction originated at the keyboard's (two) control keys, then most probably no "control" interrupts would function. They -do- otherwise function as usual - all of them - except these two particular key combinations.

3.b. When pressing the ALT key alone, the shortcut letters in (all software) menu bar selections become underlined - that has never before been an active mode in my Microsoft Windows usage. This function has never before (knowingly) been activated in any of my computers.

If there is a setting to activate this mode, hopefully it can be deactivated.

Can you help with that?

Thanks again for your reply.

~ Robin

Hi Archer,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand that shortcut control keys are not working in Windows 7.

I will certainly help you with this.

1.      What is the make and model of your computer?

Please perform system restore to the date and time when the computer was working fine.

Refer to the link.

System Restore

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows7/products/features/system-restore

If the issue still persists.

If you are using Desktop computer, try changing the keyboard and check if it works fine.

If you have using Notebook, I would suggest you to contact Computer manufacturer for assistance.       

Please feel free to post, if you have any query regarding Windows. We will be glad to assist you further.

the Control F4 key is not closing programs and the macros have stopped working

This issue has been resolved (from assistance elsewhere).

Thank you.