SPEAKING won't shut up

[graphicimage]

Recently, my newer (last year) iMac probably running 10.5 started speaking and wont shut up... there is no obvious way to turn it off. I usually figure problems out myself but there are no system preferences that effect it. I even changed the voice in preferences as a test and it is still the same guy reading everything clicked in all applications except when I am in system preferences so far. Usually when I run into a dead end like this there is some mystery key command that works... anyone know?

I also noticed that some of the top line (f) keys are not doing what they are supposed to any longer as well... volume up opens the window for expose & spaces it looks like and does not control the volume... monitor brightness controls are not working either... I went to the key and mouse preferences and set the key strokes to default and still the same.

I assume some random key code got me into this hell and the same is the only way out. Please help if you can.

 

[MacDawg]

Have you looked in the Universal Access System Preference?

 

[spinnerlys]

Speaking is called VOICE OVER:
System Preferences > Universal Access

Keyboard control:
System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts

Select ALL CONTROLS at the bottom:

 

[Gregg2]

I assume some random key code got me into this hell and the same is the only way out.

Probably, but no, there is usually more than one way to do or undo anything.

 

[carlosbutler]

check the universal access - if it still doesnt work. turn on voice over, make sure it is still on and annoying you. then restart, again make sure it is still on, and then untick the box. restart. that has solved a couple of things for me.

 

[GGJstudios]

I assume some random key code got me into this hell and the same is the only way out. Please help if you can.

Command+F5 or fn+Command+F5 turns VoiceOver on or off.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3786

check the universal access - if it still doesnt work. turn on voice over, make sure it is still on and annoying you. then restart, again make sure it is still on, and then untick the box. restart. that has solved a couple of things for me.

There's absolutely no need to restart when turning VoiceOver on or off.

 

[graphicimage]

Peace and quiet. Thanks.

I did come across that window but did not associate Voiceover with the problem because when I found "Speakable Items" I assumed that was the only thing to control the computer speaking.

GGJ, thanks too, now I know how it probably happened in the first place.

 

[KirstenD]

Peace and quiet. Thanks.

I did come across that window but did not associate Voiceover with the problem because when I found "Speakable Items" I assumed that was the only thing to control the computer speaking.

GGJ, thanks too, now I know how it probably happened in the first place.

things happen all's well that ends well

 

[Gregg2]

things happen all's well that ends well

Some things begin a bit strangely though. Welcome!