How do I unmap ctrl+space keys in Windows XP?

Question

Pressing ctrl+space seems to switch the app in the background (like alt+tab, but not with the app currently in focus). I need this key combo for use in Eclipse. How do I unmap it in Windows? (BTW, I have an HP/Compaq laptop)

Answer 1

Use the On-Screen Keyboard
An on-screen keyboard is built into Windows XP. It can be useful if you have mobility impairments, if you are using a tablet PC, or if your keyboard breaks down unexpectedly. To access the on-screen keyboard, go to Start, then click Run, and then type osk. Now the keyboard opens on your computer screen, featuring three typing modes you can use to type data:

- Clicking mode, where you click the on-screen keys.
- Scanning mode, where you press a hot key or use a switch-input device to type highlighted characters.
- Hovering mode, where you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key, which is then typed.

To make a shortcut icon on your desktop to the on-screen keyboard:
1. Right-click the desktop and choose New, then Shortcut.
2. Type osk, click Next.
3. Type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.

Use CTRL+ALT+DEL Without Pushing All the Buttons
For some people, pushing CTRL, ALT and Delete (CTRL+ALT+DEL) at the same time can be an inconvenience, if not a complete impossibility. With Windows XP, there are two ways to get around this.

First option: Configure the system so that you do not need to press CTRL+ALT+DEL at all during logon (assuming you're not using the Welcome screen, in which case this key combo is not required). Here's how:

- Open Control Panel then User Accounts.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab.
- Uncheck the Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete checkbox under Secure Logon.

Second option: Configure XP's accessibility options so that "sticky keys" will be activated at the secure desktop: That way, you may "press" ALT, CTRL, and DEL sequentially rather than simultaneously. You can turn that on via the Accessibility control panel. (Control Panel then Accessibility Options):

- Bring up the Accessibility Control panel and navigate to the Keyboard tab.
- Check Use Sticky keys
- Navigate to the General Tab.
- Check Apply all settings to logon desktop.

Turn on ClearType Font-Rendering Technology
Get that extra text clarity you've always wanted. The incredible Microsoft ClearType technology can be enabled in Windows XP to smooth all fonts at all sizes, making the whole system so much easier to read. To turn on ClearType:

1. Click Start, then Control Panel, and then click Appearance and Themes.
2. Click the Display icon, then the Appearance tab, and then Effects.
3. Click the Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts check box and select ClearType from the list.
4. Click OK, and then click OK again.

Remove Interference in Movie Files
If you have any AVI files that you saved in Windows 9x, they might have interference when opened in Windows XP. Fortunately, thereis an easy fix to get rid of the interference:

1. Open Windows Movie Maker.
2. Click View and then Options.
3. Uncheck Automatically create clips.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_tips_ms.asp

http://antionline.com/archive/index.php/t-256308.html

http://www-306.ibm.com/software/stormgmt/dfs/library/docs/30doc/read_ptf2.htm

http://www.goodtechsys.com/helpsshdnt2000.htm

Answer 2

Check or take a close look at the pins where you connect your keyboard to.If even one of the pins is bent you will get all forms of strange effects.