:(Every once in a while I must lean on some key combination that switches my keyboard to the Dvorak configuration.   I don't really know Dvorak.  How can I make it switch back to QWERTY?What makes you think its going to the Dovrak configuration?

What operating system are you using?

In Windows:
Click the Start Menu, go to Control Panel. In the left hand side of the control panel, make sure "Classic View" is CLICKED.
Find Keyboard.
Open it. Click the Language tab, in the dropdown LIST, select US - Dvorak
Click OK.
It might ask you to insert your CD, as its an extended language option.

If your using Vista, click Start, and type:
Regional and Language
Open that.
Click the Keyboards and Languages tab
Then "Add"
And under English, find Dvorak.

Once again, there shouldent be a button... you would have to change it yourself.


I once had a big argument with a computer science tutor about how to pronounce Dvorak (the keyboard guy, not the composer). I had to show him the article in "Byte" magazine where he told the interviewer to say "Divorak". He also told me that Windows 95 "didn't have any DOS code".

There are a number of Windows hotkey applications that allow a key press to switch layouts Mac-style. Maybe one of these is running?

We don't know the OS or anything about the OP's computer. Information please!




Hi Klystra, thanks for constructive (albeit didn't work) suggestions.

It is Dvorak.  The first time it happened I thought it was some virus caused hoax, and I noted a few of the keys.  The second time it happened I noted what came up for each key -  a translation:
Keys qwertyuiop  produced ',.pyfgcrl/=\  etc.
Checking Dell's INFO pages I discovered that these were the assignments for the Dvorak keyboard.
The next time it happened it was again the Dvorak.

I work on a Dell Inspiron 6000 Laptop that came bundled with
Windows  XP Media Center Edition
Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.079714-1236: Service Pack 3)
I am up-to-date with updates - possibly a Dvorak option was added in an update; I understand Vista supports it.

I have added German and Spanish keyboards  as alternatives to use for ease with their special characters, but I never addded Dvorak.

My Control Panel has no indication or selection for "Classic View", or any other view.  It's pretty basic.  "Keyboard" support provides tabs only for repeat Speed and for Hardware description, no control for key interpretation.

I'll keep exploring and post the solution for this system when I find it.  Thanks again,
EvOn XP, can you look under languages and search around for XP Keyboard input settings in there somewhere? (I DONT have XP, its a bit hard to look and see what its like)Hi Klystra,  problem solved !!
Apparently, as I guessed, a Windows XP update must have included the Dvorak keyboard layout as an option even though not specifically shown in the Keyboard list of US languages.  The accidental, unintentional switching (a toggle, actually) between QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard layouts occurs when one presses Ctrl and Shift simultaneously, an easy slip-up.

The process to set up keyboard layouts (in my Windows XP Media Center Edition with latest updates) is detailed in the attachment to this post.  Thanks for mentioning Vista's Regional and Language Options, it was the clue.
Ev


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