Solved Windows Logo Key Disabled

[outofmemory]

I desperately require assistance. Ok, so it's not 'desperately', perhaps frustratedly (is that a word) is better.

Windows Vista 64

When I press the Windows Logo Key nothing happens.
Well, something happens, a small box above the task bar notifications comes up that indicates "Key Disabled".

I've tried just about everything I can think of:
Searched Microsoft
Searched countless sites
Tried a reg edit hack
Disabled UAC

I'm absolutly flabberghasted and down right disgusted with Microsoft. Not only for their idiotic implementation of such stupidity, but the total lack of documentation on the subject.

I kindly request your knowledge and technical assistance on this matter.

Thank you in advance, I appreciate you taking time out of your day to do what Microsoft should have already done.

Kind regards,

Out of Memory

 

[koch]

Try the following link below and use method two:

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/78012-restart-explorer.html?ltr=R

 

[outofmemory]

Thank you for the attempt, but that was unsuccessful.

It's something built into windows, perhaps too complex for the masses to figure out.

I've searched high and low, and nothing.

Countless how-to's on disabling the key, but zero on how to enable.

I've tried the regedit entry "NoWinKeys", both off and on, just to be sure.
I've disabled UAC.
I've tried to restart explorer.exe (though this bandaid method would get tiresome doing it every logon, if the solution worked).

Clearly the computer recognizes that the windows key has been pressed.

All Ease of Use items are off as well.
No 'weird' applications are running (meaning I didn't install anything that 'should' cause this (like a keyboard shortcut program, etc.))

I'm on an administrator account (not the hidden one though).
I'm using a microsoft ergonomic 4000 (with latest drivers).

I'm stumped and desperate. After reading posts regarding keyboards for the past 3 1/2 hours, I am exhausted.

 

[Brink]

Hello Outofmemory, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You might try the different methods below to see if it can help you enable the Windows Key again.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/77881-windows-hotkeys.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[outofmemory]

Yes sir, I have already tried both of those methods.

Even tried the disable methods just to see if the indication that the key was disabled had changed.

But I had the same results.

Interestingly enough, I habitually hit the windows e key for file explorer, I was fiddling with a World of Warcraft mod, and habitually hit the windows e key though I didn't expect it to work, but it did.

So why would WoW running allow the keystroke to work, but not otherwise?

This does this on a clean reboot also, and only once has worked.

I can't imagine why it would have worked that one time with World of Warcraft, perhaps there is something with the keyboard hooks that's disabled when it's running.

I will fiddle with it more when I get home, to hopefully come to a resolution.

I appreciate those of you viewing this and twisting your minds around the problem. Goodness willing I can figure this out.

Appreciate your input.

 

[Brink]

Have you already checked your Keyboard properties in the Control Panel to see if there is some special setting to change or disable this with your drivers?

 

[outofmemory]

Since there seems to be no documentation on this particular issue, I'm guessing it's either a conflict with the vista 64 keyboard drivers or some other program conflict.

One would expect that an OS out this long having a defect would have had more people with this particular problem.

I will definately check out the keyboard settings, double check ease of access settings, and see if there's not something in my keyboard driver that's causing this.

If anyone else out there has some incite into this particular issue, I'd love to see your ideas.

Thank you kindly.

 

[colargol]

I have the same problem with Windows 7 x64.

 

[Tipher88]

Just out of curiosity...what keyboard are you using?

 

[colargol]

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000.

 

[colargol]

I think I found the solution:
Open Microsoft Keyboard (from All Programs) and go to the Key Settings tab. Locate the Left Windows key in the mapping table and see that it is set to "Disabled." Change it to "Opens the Windows Start menu" or simply click "Restore Defaults."
Bank 3 (Gaming) sets it to Disabled.

 

[Brink]

Colargol, I'm happy to hear that it seems like you got it sorted.

 

[karait000]

Well, I have the same problem (all of a sudden, with no apparent reason both Windows Keys stopped working). I don't have a Microsoft Keyboard (I have Razer Lycosa) and I receive no info that the key has been disabled so Colargol's solution has no use for me.

I have, of course, tried the registry tricks and explorer restart and I also tried resetting the key in Razer Configuration utility (which was a hopeless attempt as it was indicated that the key was in its default state).

Anyway, both keys don't work (so I assume it's not a mechanical failure), Start Menu won't show up, Win+ combinations don't work and when I try to bind the key in games it doesn't work (hell, I can even bind the Menu Key).

Any idea on what on Mother Earth could be causing this annoyance?

 

[arlanda]

Colargol's solution works for me.

 

[mjd0355]

Colargol,

Thanks for this tip. I have been struggling with the Windows Key being disabled. It works the first time I press it, but then I had to go into the services control panel and restart the HID service. By "enabling" the Left Windows key in the keyboard software, now my Keyboard 8000 Windows Key works perfectly.

Thanks:D