Does this issue only occur in Firefox?

Ensure that the keyboard is setup to be a standard American QWERTY layout keyboard. This can be done in Windows XP, via the Language Bar.

Did you try to reboot the computer?

Hello,

Try disabling graphics hardware acceleration. Since this feature was added to Firefox, it has gradually improved, but there still are a few glitches.

You might need to restart Firefox in order for this to take effect, so save all work first (e.g., mail you are composing, online documents you're editing, etc.).

Then perform these steps:

• Click the orange Firefox button at the top left, then select the "Options" button, or, if there is no Firefox button at the top, go to Tools > Options.
• In the Firefox options window click the Advanced tab, then select "General".
• In the settings list, you should find the Use hardware acceleration when available checkbox. Uncheck this checkbox.
• Now, restart Firefox and see if the problems persist.

Additionally, please check for updates for your graphics driver by following the steps mentioned in the following Knowledge base articles:

• Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems

• Upgrade your graphics drivers to use hardware acceleration and WebGL

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

There was no change. The letter y still refuses to work in Firefox.

Can you reproduce in safe mode (Windows) with networking, it may be another program interfering.

• http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/

Did this start recently after an update, or did you just install Firefox for the first time?

Web pages can intercept keystrokes for their own purposes, but to have the same letter intercepted on numerous sites seems unlikely...

In case it's a plugin, can you disable everything except QuickTime, Shockwave Flash, and Silverlight, and see whether that makes any difference?

orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons > Plugins category

Are you using a wireless keyboard or one with a cable connection?

Can you try a different keyboard with a cable connection?

Update: nothing has worked. This problem has been going on for months. I have been using my laptop lately and only used this (desktop) when I needed to. The y has been gone now in all programs, and I have tried a pci keyboard, USB, and a wireless. Always the same problem. I think it started in Firefox. Almost certain, because that's all I was using at the time. I think changing keyboards the first time helped for a short time, and then the y quit working again; but that was so long ago, I can't remember the details. I'll keep trying any idea's that come m way. I really appreciate the help.

You can't type a "y" in any program? Is it possible there is some kind of "prank" software on your computer? You may want to run some supplemental scans. These three tools are highly regarded (and free):

• Malwarebytes Anti-malware : http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
• SUPERAntiSpyware : http://www.superantispyware.com/
• AdwCleaner : http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/ (ignore banner ads for other products)

While most system hotkeys involve Ctrl, Alt or the Windows key, it might be possible to intercept the "y" key. You could try a utility like Windows Hotkey Explorer to list out the hotkeys reserved by applications. There's a download link on this page (on the left side, it's the free one): http://hkcmdr.anymania.com/.

Here is an article from the Windows Help and Support Center about your issue. I take no create for this answer. All credit goes to Microsoft.

This article is from Windows XP.