10:21PM
Mac help request
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 10:21PM Have service call scheduled tomorrow afternoon, but the problem is stunningly simple, if only I knew how to fix.
Family's iMac downstairs: old wireless keyboard dies, and in the shuffle, the Mac gets rebooted and stuck at log-in screen. Replacement keyboard in hand, but can't get it to link, bluetooth-wise to Mac and without it, cannot get past log-in screen.
Everywhere I look in help and online, I get instructions on how to fix the keyboard connection--but only if you're past the log in.
So the question is: how to log-in absent keyboard so I can get to screens I know well and get the keyboard discovered and linked up?
Any help appreciated--but fast!
Reader Comments (4)
Maybe see if ya can find an old USB Keyboard to get you past log in.
I second Jon's post. A hardwired keyboard is probably the only solution.
Best of luck.
RL
When you shutdown and restart your machine, your Mac should notice that there isn't a mouse or keyboard detected and ask you to pair automatically. Disconnect any other devices you may have attached and then shutdown and restart your machine then wait until you get to the login screen. Once there, the Bluetooth Setup Assistance should appear almost immediately (in 10.5 or 10.6) or after a few moments (in 10.4 or earlier).
It will ask to set up a mouse first. Then, it will ask about a keyboard.
Looks like you have been blinded by technology. A hardwire UBS keyboard will solve the problem. Forest for the trees!