I'm trying to help out a friend using an old iMac using OSX 10.7.5 that appears to have a dead wireless keyboard. I'm not sure what model number the computer is but am sure it's well over 10 years old. We put new batteries in but still no response from any keys. I know very little about Apple computers but searching around in this forum I found a few threads that suggest the problem is the keyboard and not the computer. I was hoping for some advice on how i might confirm this. Also, is it possible to get a cord keyboard instead as an option instead of the wireless? Otherwise the machine functions normally.
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Old iMac keyboard not working
- Thread starter Mike C5
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First, of course, verify that the computer bluetooth is turned on (if a wireless mouse works then it is ok). Then bring up the bluetooth preferences panel and see if the keyboard is seen and can be paired and connected from there.
If the keyboard has sat around unused for 10 years with batteries in it, there is a good chance that the batteries leaked and there may be some corrosion on the contacts. Sometimes this can be cleaned off with gentle scraping to bring it back to life.
If it is the keyboard with the tubular battery compartment, I seem to recall that there were some problems with some brands of batteries having a larger + button which wasn't making contact with a recessed contact in the bottom of the tube. Usually changing to a different battery brand would fix it, or some users reported putting a small ball of aluminum foil in the tube before inserting the batteries. You might want to google a bit to try to find more information on that trick.
Good luck ...
Of course, if you purchase one of the current rechargeable keyboards, they can be used wireless or wired with the charging cable. There were also older pre-wireless mac keyboards which had a standard cable to connect them.
If the keyboard has sat around unused for 10 years with batteries in it, there is a good chance that the batteries leaked and there may be some corrosion on the contacts. Sometimes this can be cleaned off with gentle scraping to bring it back to life.
If it is the keyboard with the tubular battery compartment, I seem to recall that there were some problems with some brands of batteries having a larger + button which wasn't making contact with a recessed contact in the bottom of the tube. Usually changing to a different battery brand would fix it, or some users reported putting a small ball of aluminum foil in the tube before inserting the batteries. You might want to google a bit to try to find more information on that trick.
Good luck ...
Of course, if you purchase one of the current rechargeable keyboards, they can be used wireless or wired with the charging cable. There were also older pre-wireless mac keyboards which had a standard cable to connect them.
Thank you for the quick reply. The mouse does work and the computer has regularly been used (I saw no signs of battery leakage when changing the batteries). Irrc, theres a little green light on the keyboard that does light up too.
The Bluetooth preferences panel is in settings?
The Bluetooth preferences panel is in settings?
Bluetooth preferences can be found in "System Preferences" (gear symbol). You will have to 'pair' the keyboard with the computer here.
The little green light may be the 'shift lock' indicator and that would indicate battery power is available.
I checked and found that the computer showed the keyboard was connected. I also noticed that the up/down arrows work but nothing else on the keyboard so it seems pretty clear the problem is with the kb.
As for a replacement, can I buy anything that is iMac compatible or do I need to look for something that will work with the old OS (10.7.5)?
As for a replacement, can I buy anything that is iMac compatible or do I need to look for something that will work with the old OS (10.7.5)?
I don’t think there will be any problem with any Mac keyboard ... they don’t change them very often and any should work with all OS versions as long as the computer has bluetooth or USB for wired keyboards.
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