Accidental and Obscure Keyboard Problem and Fix, Right-Shift+E and a Stuck F12 Key

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Background

I recently decided that, rather than upgrading my Linux Ubuntu OS for the umpteenth time, I would do a fresh (new) install of version 24.04. As usual, everything went well, except for one minor (actually MAJOR) keyboard problem I had immediately after booting up the new Ubuntu install: When trying to type a capital "E" using the Right-Shift key, I got nothing. I still was able to use the Left-Shift key + e to form my capital E, but I am an extremely high-volume writer and that solution is not sustainable long-term. 

What I Tried (aka, Useless Forums)

Okay, based on my ultimate revelation and solution to an extremely rare cause and cure, it's not fair to say that the usually-useless Help Forums were useless in this case, but it does serve the purpose of reminding me and my readers that Help / User Forums are, by and large, ... useless. And in fairness, a rather lengthy post with many cockamamie suggestions did shed one tiny ray of light on a potential fix, in the form of a very short, one-line suggestion for fixing another problem that I had—a solution that I would never have guessed was related whatsoever to my Right-Shift+E problem. The recommended solution—unplug your keyboard, then plug it back in—also referenced the F12 key. That is when I discovered that my F12 key (which I rarely use) was stuck in the down position. (search this blog's labels for " F12 " to find the story of that fix.).

So, anyhow…

After fixing the unrelated problem by unplugging the keyboard and plugging it back in, then using one of my small (2-inch key-chain...) pocket knife's very thin and pointed blade to pry the F12 key up (but not completely remove it) then spray a little Windex Screen and Electronic cleaner on the F12 key, followed by taking the clean edges of a paper towel to clean around and underneath the F12 key, I discovered that my Right-Shift+E problem was also fixed. 

Upon Further Reflection

Upon pondering my weeks' long frustration with the Right-Shift+E problem, I chided myself for many things, not the least of which was overlooking the obvious: I had made sure the Right-Shift key was not stuck or broken (same for the E key) by trying it with other key combinations; but it never occurred to me that a stuck F-key might be the problem.

The other thing I did not consider—and I really don't blame myself much for this oversight—was "what, if anything, did I do during the new OS install that might have caused this problem." In fairness to myself, I did ask that question, but I did not consider one obscure action I took that was habitual, but probably not necessary. As many of you who do OS installs know, more often than not you need to invoke an F-key in order to tell your machine how you want to proceed with the install (my take on it, tech people might word it differently). Anyhow, the F-key (in my case, F12) must be invoked at just the right time or you have to start all over again. Knowing this, as soon as my machine starts to boot up the new install I vigorously, repeatedly and rapidly—and with considerable force—press the F12 key until the proper screen pops up. In doing so, apparently I caused the F12 key to get stuck, but since I did not need to use that key again during or after the installation, I did not notice the stuck-key situation.

Long-Story Short

By fixing my "other problem" (see blog label: F12), I also inadvertently fixed my Right-Shift+E keyboard problem.

Unsolicited (by my Readers) Praise to God

God is good, even in the minute annoyances of our lives. He is also sovereign and providential over absolutely everything, thus He deserves my praise for His guidance, even with a tiny keyboard problem.