Using right alt (AltGr) causes stuck left control with european layouts

[GoogleCodeExporter]

What steps will reproduce the problem?
1. Make sure you have a european keyboard layout (so that right alt is
actually AltGr)
2. Press AltGr (right alt on a US keyboard) and release it.
3. Now you can't type anything until left control is pressed first, to
unstuck it. (Note right control does not work - on a second keyboard - it
has to be left control.)

What is the expected output? What do you see instead?
Expect to be able to type after releasing AltGr.

What version of the product are you using? On what operating system?
2008.08.16 on Vista

Please provide any additional information below.
Other people have issues with AltGr too:
http://www.autohotkey.com/forum/topic2052-15.html .

"When a script sends {LCtrl down} while AltGr is physically down, for some
reason the OS or keyboard driver does not generate a physical release of
the LCtrl key when the user releases AltGr. This causes the system to see
LCtrl as physically stuck down."

As a workaround I prevent AHK from touching the LCtrl key. This can be
achieved by commenting out these lines in "System Keys.ahk":
$*LCtrl::PreferenceKeyDown("LCtrl", "RemapLeftControlToWindows", "Control
Up}{LWin")
$*LCtrl Up::PreferenceKeyUp("LCtrl", "RemapLeftControlToWindows", "LWin")

Original issue reported on code.google.com by ben.chal...@gmail.com on 2 Sep 2008 at 9:45

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi, I thought this was the same issue as issue #4, but now I see that your 
problem is
with LCtrl, not RAlt and the fn-key alias. Unfortunately, I probably won't be 
able to
make a similar change for LCtrl until tomorrow or Friday (exam tomorrow, have 
been
putting off studying for way too long).

Anyway, I appreciate your feedback, since I have no experience with non-US 
keyboard
layouts (or Vista, for that matter). Sorry for the delay getting back to you; in
fact, I didn't realize people were using the bug tracker, but I'll be 
monitoring it
from now on.

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 18 Sep 2008 at 3:59

• Changed state: Accepted
• Added labels: Priority-High
• Removed labels: Priority-Medium

[GoogleCodeExporter]

This really needs to be fixed ASAP, raised priority to critical.

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 18 Sep 2008 at 4:08

• Added labels: Priority-Critical, Usability
• Removed labels: Priority-High

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Is something still working on this? I really hate this nasty bug.

Original comment by JaapWill...@gmail.com on 15 Sep 2009 at 10:25

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Please fix if possible, unable to use the program as every time i need to enter 
a
emailaddress altgr+2 (swedish locale) the key "sticks"

Original comment by griffin....@gmail.com on 20 Nov 2009 at 2:17

[GoogleCodeExporter]

this error is pretty annoying. I get it all the time when i make a 
slash-backward \ 
I use Win+R all the time browsing files and i think that \ tops my top five of 
most 
used chars. So please fix this asap!

/p, european keyboard (denmark)

Original comment by petering...@gmail.com on 28 Nov 2009 at 7:42

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I got exactly the same issue as griffin.esg. The right alt-key "sticks" when 
pressing
it once (got swedish layout). This really is a dealbreaker for me. I have to be 
able
to write emails.

It should be noted that the right alt-key works perfectly as default when uawks 
isn't
installed, so one solution may be to make uawks just let this key alone as it is
default by Windows.

Original comment by speedabu...@gmail.com on 3 Dec 2009 at 11:55

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Good news everyone--I'm getting a new desktop computer soon, which will let me 
look 
into this. Thanks for the feedback, I understand how frustrated you all must 
be, and 
just wanted let you know that I pay attention to this, even if I don't have all 
of the 
time and resources to fix everything as soon as I'd like.

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 3 Dec 2009 at 4:21

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I have this problem too :(
Bye the way, did you know, that for the old 3 batteries alu wireless keyboard 
you can easily use the Bootcamp 
Drivers (just have to get them somewhere), but that the new wireless alu 
keyboard with 2 batteries can't be 
configured to use the same driver.
Only your little tool, doesn't seem to make a difference about those two 
variants.

Bye the way, AltGr is like pushing Alt and Ctrl simultaniously... Guess that 
should narrow it down in the code.

Original comment by Sib...@googlemail.com on 6 Dec 2009 at 11:22

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Maybe this helps?
AltGr (alternate graving). If your keyboard layout has an AltGr key instead of 
a right-Alt key, this series of 
symbols can usually be used to stand for AltGr (requires Windows NT/2k/XP or 
later). For example:

<^>!m::MsgBox You pressed AltGr+m.
<^<!m::MsgBox You pressed LeftControl+LeftAlt+m.
Alternatively, to make AltGr itself into a hotkey, use the following hotkey 
(without any hotkeys like the above 
present):

LControl & RAlt::MsgBox You pressed AltGr itself.

Original comment by Sib...@googlemail.com on 6 Dec 2009 at 11:51

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Something happening ?

Original comment by Sib...@googlemail.com on 24 Dec 2009 at 6:22

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Does anybody know how to help this guy ?

Original comment by Sib...@googlemail.com on 10 Jan 2010 at 12:47

[GoogleCodeExporter]

There is still the same issue. Pressing AltGr won't release left Ctrl after 
releasing 
AltGr. Without UAWKS all works fine for the european layout. Maybe just don't 
configure 
any hotkeys for for AltGr in this Layout ;)

Original comment by benny.li...@googlemail.com on 5 Feb 2010 at 8:33

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Of course there's the same issue.. the last release is of 2008.. 

Original comment by feard...@gmail.com on 21 Mar 2010 at 9:49

[GoogleCodeExporter]

There is a fast solution for this isuue:

If you add these lines at the end of 'System Keys.ahk' document:

$RAlt::
        if (!RemapRightOptionToFn) {
        Send, {Blind}{Control down}
        Send, {Blind}{alt down}
        }
    return

$RAlt Up::
        if (!RemapRightOptionToFn) {
        Send, {Blind}{Control Up}
        Send, {Blind}{alt up}
        }
    return

When you uncheck 'use right option key as an extra fn key' 
then right alt works as an altGr

Original comment by neoner2...@gmail.com on 1 Apr 2010 at 12:50

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Much appreciated! I don't have access to anything besides Windows XP, US 
layout, so 
these kinds of contributions are very welcome. I'll release it as a beta 
tomorrow, and 
then I'll let people test it for a week or so.

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 1 Apr 2010 at 12:54

[GoogleCodeExporter]

This extended code is useful for the people who wants to use also the right alt 
as an fn key

$RAlt::
        if (!RemapRightOptionToFn) {
        Send, {Blind}{Control down}
        Send, {Blind}{alt down}
        } else {
                PreferenceKeyFnDown("{RAlt Down}", "RemapRightOptionToFn")
        }
    return

$RAlt Up::
        if (!RemapRightOptionToFn) {
        Send, {Blind}{alt up}
        } else {
                PreferenceKeyFnUp("{RAlt up}", "RemapRightOptionToFn")
        }
        Send, {Blind}{Control Up}
    return

Original comment by neoner2...@gmail.com on 1 Apr 2010 at 1:43

[GoogleCodeExporter]

For users having <> swapped with ½§ and Alt+§ to make a \ (for unknown 
reasons) I've 
done some editing in User Keys.ahk

You can of course apply this short piece of code (I am not responsible):

;; This example lets you swap <> with 
;; ½§ and enable the \ as ALT+>

<::½
>::§
½::<
§::>
!<::\

Original comment by cell.pet...@gmail.com on 2 Apr 2010 at 9:10

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Still waiting for that beta release fixing the issue!

Original comment by feard...@gmail.com on 19 Apr 2010 at 7:43

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Okay party-people... for a short moment I've added the inflicted files to my 
domain:

1) System Keys.ahk_ - this file contains the correction making RAlt work
2) User Keys.ahk_ - this file swap ½< and >§ and add support for / (ALT + <)
3) UAWKS.exe_ - this file is the exe-file if you dont know how to add and 
compile 
the files above.

I take no responsibility for the modified files mentioned. I use them myself 
and 
have done so for like 20 days. Youre on your own if you choose to compile or 
use the 
compiled file:

1) www.pixlr.dk/ahk-files.rar
2) www.pixlr.dk/uawks.exe

// peter

Original comment by petering...@gmail.com on 19 Apr 2010 at 8:13

[GoogleCodeExporter]

.... oh wait... I forgot to add that I've swapped Right Windows with App-menu - 
so 
that you have one Windows key at left and the app-key at right - try select a 
file 
and hit Right Windows and you'll see for your self.

// p

Original comment by petering...@gmail.com on 19 Apr 2010 at 8:28

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Yeah, I broke my promise on that beta. I'm two weeks from graduating college 
and really 
busy. To work on UAWKS these days, I have to set up my computer differently, or 
use a 
different computer.

That said, if anyone wants to become a contributor, I'll add you in and you can 
make 
the changes yourself! Thanks, Brian

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 20 Apr 2010 at 12:40

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi,

I still look forwart to hearing from you, trying your next beta. Do you have a 
timing
proposal, so I don't have a date to put into my calendar?

By the way, what is your final thesis about?

Original comment by heiko.be...@do2technik.de on 10 May 2010 at 10:43

[GoogleCodeExporter]

A beta fixing the RAlt issue would be great.

@ Peteringemann: when running your uawks.exe file I get the error message:

Error at line 875
Invalid Hotkey
The program will exit

User error?

Original comment by olaf.coe...@gmail.com on 21 May 2010 at 4:53

[GoogleCodeExporter]

@27
hmmm.... weird... i use it myself - or rather i used it. few days ago red wine 
all 
over the table and keyboard. anyway buying a new keyboard next possible day 
(tuesday) and i'll try debugging. 

anyway... and just to mention - i have used my own links to download my current 
(well, formerly now that i crashed my keyboard) version of uawks and it should 
work -
 but i'll look into it when i get the chance to buy a new keyboard.

(it really annoys me that apple wireless alu is glued together - not a chance 
fixing 
it without throwing it out afterwards... so silly)

Original comment by petering...@gmail.com on 22 May 2010 at 10:57

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I don't know if that is any help for debugging but I used the fix in comment 
16. 
Before that my @ and € would not work with uawks ( european layout ). 
Now they work but after pressing altright + Q or E,  right alt seems to be 
stuck or
something. I have to press ctrl once (windows start menu) to get everything to 
normal
again. Maybe someone could look into this. 

Original comment by jan.terh...@gmail.com on 24 May 2010 at 8:27

[GoogleCodeExporter]

This will be the first thing I attempt to fix after I get UAWKS running on my 
new 
Windows 7 installation.

(@do2consul@hotmail.com: At my school, we do senior projects instead of theses. 
We 
created a framework/API that simplifies the creation of level/map editors for 
video 
games.)

Original comment by brian.jo...@gmail.com on 24 May 2010 at 5:18

• Changed state: Started

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I must admit I am really disappointed, I have used UAWKS for a few days now 
and, after initially being very happy with it, I ran into the same problems as 
you guys... The only solution I found is to uninstall the software and 
basically to use a keyboard with less keys than I am used to. Thanks for your 
time anyway Brain, hope your project goes/went well. 

Original comment by mynewmag...@gmail.com on 25 Aug 2010 at 9:22

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi Brian,

Any news on this?

Original comment by info%the...@gtempaccount.com on 11 Oct 2010 at 9:24

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Check out #48, hopefully it'll help several of these problems.

Original comment by garethev on 27 Oct 2010 at 2:28

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi Brian - any updates? I think I will throw out my Apple keyboard otherwise :)

Original comment by info%the...@gtempaccount.com on 2 Dec 2010 at 12:45

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Is there any alternatives to UAWKS?

Original comment by toomdk@gmail.com on 23 Dec 2010 at 9:51

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I built in the patches mentioned in Comment 18 and 19.
But in 19 I switched ^ with < and ° with >.
So it works well for german Keyboards.
I attached these binaries.

Original comment by 151...@googlemail.com on 27 Dec 2010 at 11:47

Attachments:

• [Install UAWKS 2010.12.27.exe](https://storage.googleapis.com/google-code-attachments/uawks/issue-2/comment-37/Install UAWKS 2010.12.27.exe)
• [Install UAWKS Source 2010.12.27.exe](https://storage.googleapis.com/google-code-attachments/uawks/issue-2/comment-37/Install UAWKS Source 2010.12.27.exe)

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hej, thanks a lot #37! I really appreciate it! Works like a charm ;)

Original comment by mr.marcu...@gmail.com on 16 Feb 2011 at 10:54

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I am using a swiss keyboard, and with 2010.12.27 my RAlt key still causes a 
stuck hotkey, which I can only release by pressing LCtrl.

Original comment by oliver.l...@gmail.com on 21 Mar 2011 at 5:54

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I attached the error message that I'm getting with Install UAWKS 
2010.12.27.exe. Can you fix this or any ideas what is causing it? The old 2008 
version works fine, but the issue in question is severely annoying. Thanks.

Original comment by pakkanen...@gmail.com on 23 Apr 2011 at 1:39

Attachments:

• uawkserror.png

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Forgot to say that I have the UK version of Windows 7 and a finnish keyboard 
layout. I'd really love to have UAWKS for the extra keys.

Original comment by pakkanen...@gmail.com on 24 Apr 2011 at 4:51

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Same error as comment 40. Win7 64, UK key mapping, Norwegian keyboard

Original comment by per...@gmail.com on 27 Apr 2011 at 2:00

[GoogleCodeExporter]

[deleted comment]

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Just testing UAWK after been running moded Bootcamp on my w7 for a year.
I got the stuck AltGR and after downloading the 2010.12.27 exe I got the same 
error as #40

---------------------------
UAWKS.exe
---------------------------
Error at line 866.

Line Text: °::>
Error: Invalid hotkey.

The program will exit.
---------------------------
OK   
---------------------------

Using On Screen Keyboard it can be easily seen that AltGR depresses and never 
releases Ctrl ("right and left", but there is really only one Ctrl system call)

Any progress on this utility? Or any alternatives? Really, the Bootcamp-mod 
works, but I can't get Function keys without Fn - which is a bitch in games.

w7 with Swedish 

Original comment by robert...@gmail.com on 12 Jun 2011 at 8:55

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi! I'am using hungarian layout and i've got the same problem: after using the 
AltGr (Right Alt) i can't type anything until left control is pressed first - 
with the #37 exe it's worse, i got ° pressing AltGr+Y instead of > and the 
main problem is the same. Can anybody help me? Thanks! A.

Original comment by sht...@gmail.com on 10 Jul 2011 at 11:39

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi, German keyboard, same issue. Unfortunately this makes this great tool 
completely unusable. I would appreciate it very much if you fixed this.

Thanks,
teq

Original comment by martin.r...@gmail.com on 22 Sep 2011 at 6:03

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Hi, the fixed .exe from #37 works perfectly for me, thank you very much #37 and 
Brian, you guys made the keyboard finally enjoyable! I have the german layout 
on w7, AltGr releases fine and ^ is finally in the correct position.

Original comment by zumeinlo...@gmail.com on 6 Oct 2011 at 7:54

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Same error as #40 Windows 7 64bit Spanish key mapping

Original comment by feelthet...@gmail.com on 8 Oct 2011 at 11:28

[GoogleCodeExporter]

the fixed exe from #37 works well for me (german keyboard kjust bought today) 
but it doesnt offer the "i use windows vista" option anymore. Without this 
option enabled i cannot change the volume but instead it just displays an On 
Screen Display without effect on the volume.
Could somebody merge the "i use windwos vista" option with the build from #37 ?
Thanks in advance

Original comment by chrissik...@googlemail.com on 8 Dec 2011 at 9:49

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Yes, it should be merged with the file from post 12 in this thread: 
http://code.google.com/p/uawks/issues/detail?id=20&can=1&q=volume

So we would have
- Fixed AltGr
- Fixed "<>" / "^°"
- Fixed volumecontrol (with the transparent bar)

It would be 100% perfect (for european layout)!

Original comment by det...@yahoo.de on 6 Jan 2012 at 12:38