My computer will not let me copy and paste. Update: it's working now!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

Last edited Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:44 PM - Edit history (1)

This just started this morning. I have no idea, except maybe it's the mouse?

When I highlight whatever I want to copy, it turns blue and I get a list of possible actions: cut, copy etc.

So I click on "copy" and then attempt to paste.......and nothing happens.



Hope you can help!

[Hela]

1. Ctrl + C or Ctrl + V?

Will it let you copy/paste with the keyboard shortcuts? Press the Ctrl key and then the "C" key to copy, and the Ctrl key and then the "V" key to paste.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I'm not used to using this, but I tried a moment ago, and ......zip.

Of course, I may be doing it wrong!

[dweller]

2. Use keyboard

Highlight text
Press alt c to copy
Press alt p to paste
Oh crap, is it control c &p ?

Been a long time 😐

✌🏻

[PoliticAverse]

3. Have you tried powering it down and restarting it since the problem occured? n/t

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. I haven't tried that. That is a possibility. Thanks!

[PoliticAverse]

8. Powering down and restarting probably solves the majority of these weirdnesses...

which are usually caused by inadvertantly getting into some mode you didn't realize you got into.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. I have found that to be true! I'll give it a go and thank you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. I powered it down for a few minutes......and now it allows me to copy and paste!

I've known to use that technique for other pesky problems, but not this one.

I will remember.

Thanks again!

[pwb]

4. Is your mouse ball dirty?

I have to hold control and command then tap the mouse on my Mac to copy and paste.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I have a mouse that doesn't have a mechanical ball. It has a red light, which is off now.

Maybe it's that.

[pwb]

9. That could be it.

Make sure everything is plugged in tight. Maybe try moving the mouse real fast will bring it back? Good luck Peg.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. I'll give it a go, and thanks! I can always buy another mouse.

[Hela]

10. Is it a wireless mouse?

I can't count the number of times dead batteries have brought me down.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Alas, nope! I like wired mice!

[Nictuku]

15. Reboot will most likely fix it

[CaliforniaPeggy]

16. I just did that, and now it's working!

[Nictuku]

17. Yay!!!

I'm glad to hear it CaliforniaPeggy. It warms my heart, you see, I am a 40+ year Computer Tech, who was forced into early retirement at 60 years (I suspect because of my salary after 21 years with the Federal Judiciary). Everyone in the office loved me (my skills), so I know it wasn't because of job performance. I know I was very good at my job.

Anyway, since March, I'm now retired. At first it was difficult, I had some hard feelings about it all. But I've come to terms with it, but I sure do miss helping people. So again, you are welcome, I'm happy to have been of help to you.

I don't really miss my job, just the paycheck, and the thanks I would get throughout my day as I helped all our users.

[Hela]

18. Yay also!

People make fun of the phrase, "have you tried turning it off and back on again?" but it sure does work sometimes!