Space button functions as search shortcut

Question

Just today - with certain apps/software - my spacebar began to open up search functions. I first noticed it with Firefox; when entering a search query it would refresh the search and erase whatever previous word I had entered.

I tried in notepad, and similarly the spacebar opens the find window.

When using Windows Explorer, the space button opens up the search function (next to the start menu).

I use a Dell e6420 laptop with a docking station, and an external keyboard (PS/2) is plugged into it. I've never had any trouble with it before, and there were no recent updates. Operating on Windows 10 Professional. PS/2 keyboard is a Logitech Deluxe 250.

I uninstalled/updated/etc. my keyboard driver, did a system restore to the last time that it worked properly, ran my antivirus/antimalware/etc. checked the BIOS, did every conceivable thing to get it to work properly again.

The built-in keyboard works just fine. I would lean towards it being a hardware malfunction, except many apps still work fine with the spacebar (acrobat and opera tested).

I used Dell SupportAssist to troubleshoot the keyboard, and it shows in the action menu that when the spacebar is pressed, there is a command "(Key entered)" that accompanies it, which does not accompany any other key except for shift.

If anyone is able to help, that would be tremendously appreciated! This question has been asked before but was never resolved, and I'm hoping there might be some new light that has been shed on this problem.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Benedict. I'm here to help you.

Please try to perform a Clean boot troubleshooting to see if there are Startup apps or non-Microsoft services that are causing the said issue. To perform a clean boot in Windows, follow the steps here: https://support.microsoft.com/topic/da2f9573-6e...

If the issue persists in a clean boot state, start your PC again in a normal start up (the link above also gives the steps on how to exit from clean boot state, see the section "Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting"), and try creating a local account or new user account and see if that issue will still occur from there. If not, then your current user profile could be corrupted. To create a new user account, follow the steps from either of the links below:

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/20de74e0-...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5440-add-lo...

Please see if that helps.

Regards, Benedict P.

Standard Disclaimer: There are non-Microsoft websites mentioned above. These pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on those sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on those sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Hi Benedict,

Thank you for your response. I tried both of your suggestions and unfortunately the problem still persists - both in the main account and in the secondary local account.

Do you have any other ideas?

Answer 3

I see. It seems that the said issue could be a sort of system bug or corrupted system files. Please try to use the System File Checker tool to repair corrupted system files. See the steps here:
https://support.microsoft.com/topic/79aa86cb-ca...

If that doesn't still work, try doing a repair install of Windows 10. This process will install Windows 10 over the existing installation of Windows 10 on your system drive, using your USB installation media or ISO file (detailed instructions are given in the link below). Performing this can repair corrupted/broken operating system files while preserving your personal data/files, system settings, and installed apps including third-party apps. Go to the link below and follow the steps provided by Shawn Brink, a trusted Windows Insider MVP.
Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repai...

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Standard Disclaimer: There are non-Microsoft websites mentioned above. These pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on those sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on those sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 4

Hi Benedict,

Thank you for your further recomendations. I tried the system file checker and it showed that everything looked okay. I then tried to do the refresh of the Windows installation, but it required freeing up several GB of space, which I did but then it failed to restore on the reboot, and when I tried again it said I didn't have enough free space. So I assume the download from the cloud is somewhere on the hard drive.

I was able to acquire another keyboard, and now the spacebar issue is gone from all apps. It's a USB keyboard, not a PS/2 keyboard, so I can't be exactly sure if it's a problem with the PS/2 keyboard or with the PS/2 port itself, but the problem seems to be resolved with a peripheral replacement, so I'll count it as a win.

Thanks again for all your suggestions.

Answer 5

Glad to hear that. Great job! Hope everything will be fine now. Have a great day and keep safe!

Kind regards,
Benedict P.