Summary

This article outlines the resolution for a keyboard input anomaly experienced in Google Chrome and the New Outlook Electron/web app, where typed characters are replaced in an "ascending order" or "left to right" sequence based on the keyboard layout, due to interference from ESET's keyboard protection feature.

Issue Description

Users may encounter a unique keyboard input issue while using Google Chrome and the New Outlook Electron/web app. When attempting to type certain words (e.g., "payroll"), the output displays incorrect characters that follow an "ascending order" or "left to right" pattern on the keyboard layout (e.g., typing "payroll" results in "567890" or "qwertyu"). This behaviour has been traced to ESET security software's keyboard protection feature.

Affected Systems

Google Chrome, New Outlook (Electron/web app), Systems with ESET security software installed.

Resolution Steps

1. Identify the Issue: Confirm the specific nature of the keyboard input problem in Chrome and New Outlook, noting the pattern of incorrect character output.
2. Check for ESET Interference: Investigate if ESET’s keyboard protection feature is active, as it may interfere with keyboard input in these applications.
3. Uninstall ESET: Temporarily uninstall ESET from the system to determine if it is the root cause of the issue.
4. Restart the System: Following the removal of ESET, restart the computer to ensure all changes are fully implemented.
5. Observe and Report: Request the user to closely observe the system's behaviour and report any recurrence or resolution of the issue.
6. Switch to Windows Defender: If uninstalling ESET resolves the issue, consider using Windows Defender for system protection. Note that Windows Defender will automatically activate upon ESET's removal. Users should click on the blue shield icon in the bottom right corner to check if any features require attention or configuration.

Additional Notes

• The issue appears to stem from a specific interaction between ESET's keyboard protection and certain web-based applications.
• It's possible removing ESET via the normal method (i.e. Windows 11 Settings > Apps > Installed apps) won't remove the the keyboard filter driver responsible for the issue. The driver is found in Device Manager > Keyboard > right click (keyboard listed here) > properties > Driver > Driver Details.
  To completely clean remove all traces of Eset, use this removal tool.
  

Follow-Up

If you've encountered this issue and followed the steps outlined in this article, we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below to share whether this solution helped resolve the problem. Additionally, if you found a different method that worked, we encourage you to share that as well. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us and others who may face similar issues.

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