You Cannot Use Windows On-Screen Keyboard with Adobe PageMaker 6.5 (816679)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use the Windows Server 2003 On-Screen Keyboard accessibility tool with Adobe PageMaker version 6.5, you can enter only one character. After you enter the first character, the pointer no longer appears, and On-Screen Keyboard stops responding to mouse clicks.

Additionally, if you first use the keyboard to type text in Adobe PageMaker, and then you switch to the On-Screen Keyboard input area, the characters that you enter by using On-Screen Keyboard do not appear in the text input area of Adobe PageMaker. However, Adobe PageMaker continues to accept keyboard input.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because Adobe PageMaker programmatically manages its own text input area. When you click a character in On-Screen Keyboard, Adobe PageMaker tries to intercept the character input but cannot determine where to apply the character.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain a third-party full commercial Assistive Technology solution. Full commercial Assistive Technology solutions are designed to provide functionality in a wide range of available products.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the Hover to select option. By using this option, you can select text characters by resting the pointer over a particular character instead of by using a mouse click. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to Accessibility, and then click On-Screen Keyboard.
  2. On the Settings menu, click Typing Mode.
  3. Click Hover to select, and then configure the Minimum time to hover setting.
  4. Click OK to apply the change.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The On Screen Keyboard functionality that is included with Windows Server 2003 is not intended to replace a full commercial Assistive Technology solution. On-Screen Keyboard provides a minimum level of functionality for mobility-impaired users. Mobility-impaired users will require a utility program with a greater degree of functionality for daily use.

For more information about assistive technology options, visit the following Microsoft accessibility Web site:

www.microsoft.com/enable/Products/madentec.aspx

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/1/2004
Keywords:kbwinservperf kbMiscTools kbinterop kbnofix kbBug KB816679 kbAudITPRO
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