Windows key not working.

[rainer]

Please fill in this template when posting!
XMBC Version: 2.20.5
Installed or Portable version: installed
Windows Version: windows 10
Mouse Information (brand/model): logitech g400s
Relevant Computer Information (CPU, RAM etc): N/A
Did the problem occur after an upgrade of XMBC? (If so, from what version?): no
Did the problem occur after a Windows update/upgrade? (If so, from what version?): no
How long have you used XMBC?: 2 weeks
What language and keyboard layout do you use in Windows?: eng

Clear description of the problem - try and include as much information as possible, including what button and mappings you are having problems with (if applicable).: I have the program installed in C:\Program Files, and run it as administrator but the windows key does not work in any application I've tried except Discord. I didn't mess much with the settings, the only thing I've done is use xmbc to deactivate mouse buttons 4 and 5 in chrome.exe. I tried to do a search for "windows key" in the forum but not much came up except that I need to install xmbc in Program Files or run as admin, both of which I've done.

[phil]

When you say the windows key does not work, are you talking about simulated keys or physical keys on the keyboard.
XMBC should *not* be interfering with keyboard keys - it monitors them when layer modifiers keys are enabled, but it never blocks or alters them
So I don't really understand the problem.

If you completely exit XMBC, does the key work again - XMBC can only influence things when it is running.

[rainer]

Correct, when I disable xmbc the windows key works fine. The windows key and all windows button combinations don't work (except with discord focused) unless I disable/exit xmbc. When xmbc is enabled again and I press the windows key, then there is a small notification in the bottom right with a lock icon and an x that reads: key disabled.

[phil]

Can you send a screenshot of that notification because that means nothing to me... The only XMBC popup/notifications are for layer changes and stuff like that - Im completely confused as to how this can happen.
Also can you turn on debug logging (settings -> logging/updates tab), enable it, hit OK then Apply on the main screen....
Then go press the key again a few times, then send me the log (PM it or attach it or just paste it in).
That may give some clues.
EDIT: If you can, also send me a copy of your profile (Save Profile) and attach it here (or in a PM)

[rainer]

Alrighty, sorry for the delay. I believe this is everything.

Edit: I just learned the reason discord still lets me use the windows key is because I run as admin. So any program I run as admin I can still use the windows key with xmbc.

[phil]

OK, firstly, that popup is nothing to do with XMBC. Any XMBC notification will be bigger, have the XMBC icon and title as below.
So something else is reacting/interfering I guess.... The next question will be what (that may not be easy for me to find remotely).
I will look at the logs when I get home from work this evening (have no time before I leave), it may give some idea, but I suspect, if the key is being blocked by something else, it wont be visible in the XMBC log at all either...

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[phil]

What keyboard do you have, and does it have any software (like G-Hub for logitech keyboards)? As Apparently they have a feature to disable these keys in "game mode" (FN+F8?) which maybe has been activated somehow when XMBC is running?

[rainer]

Interesting. I'm using an old Microsoft Sidewinder X6 keyboard.

Looking through my processes, the only other peripheral-related software I have running (that I can identify and are active in task manager) are itype, ipoint, mkchelper, motiontools (for a wireless air mouse I own, Adesso Airmouse P30) and headsetcontrolgui (to turn the lights on/off on my headset because Corsair's ICue is hot garbage). Just to see, I ended process for motiontools, headsetcontrolgui and mkchelper but no difference so far. I do not believe that I currently have installed any logitech or other peripheral software besides xmbc and those listed above, I could be wrong, and I have tried some for different things in the past before uninstalling. I have windows gamemode and gamebar switched off. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[phil]

I'm at a bit of a loss to explain this too.
I'm curious to know if XMBC can simulate the WIN key... Just for a test can you set a button (middle, 4th or 5th - NOT LEFT/RIGHT!!!) to Simulated Keys
and enter {LWIN} into the input field... Leave the rest as is, press OK, -> Apply
Then press that button and see if the start menu opens when clicking the button.... Or if you still get that weird popup....
I wish there was an easy way to find what program is putting that padlock/x key is disabled thing there (its not XMBC for sure).

GameBar/Game Mode was a hope because google suggest others had similar problems. I guess its not that if its disabled/not used by you... But it must be something. It's even strange that it works when XMBC is not running because that would suggest the problem was XMBC (but not always the case - it may be some other thing interacting/interfering one way or another - another reason the game mode thing was suspicious as its possible to set any app as a game and make that app appear to behave differently - but as we have established we don't think its that).

The log does not help much as keyboard input detected by XMBC is not logged at all (logging keys would not be sensible/secure!) but that means I can not see if XMBC is even detecting the key being pressed - I may have to make a custom build with extra logging to check that (but that wont be quick as I am really busy at work at the moment and don't have any spare weekends coming up either )
Other than that, Im not sure what else to suggest.

You said it worked when XMBC was disabled - do you mean disabled or not running? Quite an important difference (if another program is doing stuff depending on what else is running). You can disable XMBC without exiting it from the context menu on the XMBC icon in the system tray.
If it only works when XMBC is NOT running at all but does not work when XMBC is disabled but still running, it points more again to an external factor.

Regards,
Phil

[rainer]

I'm back with good news for us both, it was in fact user error!

I had re-installed Microsoft mouse&keyboard the same day I found your program and didn't realize that the Microsoft app had defaulted to a "gaming" preset that disables my windows key even when closed. I realized it had to be something other than xmbc when the windows key worked only sometimes after exiting xmbc when starting as admin and kept starting/closing to see the occurrence. Thanks Microsoft! And thank you for not calling me an idiot (yet!) Sorry for the trouble!!

[phil]

Phew - that's a relief, I was really struggling to see how XMBC could be involved .

I'm glad you found it before I spent more time looking in to it, and thanks for reporting back, so anyone else seeing similar will know.
Ive not used the MS keyboard.Mouse software for years, but I did mention that the Logitech software can do it too - so I guess its a reasonably common thing to see, so others will maybe benefit from your investigations!