Shift lock in Windows (when synergy is in use?)

Question

I use 'synergy' to make different Linux and Windows PCs appear as one working space for my mouse, keyboard and clipboard.

The problem is that 'synergy' is not very stable, and apparently it sometimes makes Windows (XP, if that matters) "think" that Shift button is always pressed. The most annoying thing is 'Shift+ MouseClick' combination could be mapped to a special functionality by some applications (e.g. Firefox), and mouse becomes barely usable with them.

Rebooting the PC helps to unlock the Shift but obviously this is not the solution I'd like to use.

Solution

Workaround that helps to avoid the reboot:

• Right-click on the language bar indicator (in the right corner of your task bar).
• choose 'Settings',
• Press 'Key Settings' button in the 'Preferences' area,
• Choose 'Press the SHIFT key' in 'To turn off Caps Lock' area,
• Press 'OK' until all 'Settings' dialogs are closed.
• Press 'Shift' -- Bingo! -- the problem is solved!
• now repeat the above to switch back to Caps Lock button.

Note that I use two input languages, and switch between them using Ctrl+Shift. If you're only using English, the language bar might not be directly accessible.

P.S. Just thought that may be pressing 'Shift' from the beginning could have solved the issue without changing any settings... I'll check this when I encounter the lock again.

Comments

[Snark]

Do you use the original Synergy or Synergy+ ?

[Linulin]

The original one.

[Linulin]

Snark, I like your elegant explanation of the root of the problem, but it seems to be more complicated. That is, I can't reproduce the issue by simply pressing one of Shift, Alt, Ctrl, Ctrl+Shift, Caps Lock keys, and moving mouse from one screen to another... BTW, thanks for the links! I'll take a closer look to Synergy+ when time permits.