Filter keys can be annoying and can be turned off permanently. You can activate filter keys by holding down the shift key for 8 seconds thereby ignoring keyboard input. Now if you accidentally activated the filter keys that can easily be remedied by pressing both shift keys at the same time. Once you do that, keyboard operations will go back to normal. This works in XP and Vista operating
. systems. For XP, you go to " Accessibility Options." In Vista, you go to " Ease of Access Center." For detailed information on how to perform this function, go to http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/filterkeys.aspx