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CaliforniaPeggy

(152,079 posts)
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:09 PM Jul 2021

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

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!

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My computer will not let me copy and paste. Update: it's working now! (Original Post) CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 OP
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + V? Hela Jul 2021 #1
I'm not used to using this, but I tried a moment ago, and ......zip. CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #5
Use keyboard dweller Jul 2021 #2
Have you tried powering it down and restarting it since the problem occured? n/t PoliticAverse Jul 2021 #3
I haven't tried that. That is a possibility. Thanks! CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #6
Powering down and restarting probably solves the majority of these weirdnesses... PoliticAverse Jul 2021 #8
I have found that to be true! I'll give it a go and thank you. CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #13
I powered it down for a few minutes......and now it allows me to copy and paste! CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #14
Is your mouse ball dirty? pwb Jul 2021 #4
I have a mouse that doesn't have a mechanical ball. It has a red light, which is off now. CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #7
That could be it. pwb Jul 2021 #9
I'll give it a go, and thanks! I can always buy another mouse. CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #12
Is it a wireless mouse? Hela Jul 2021 #10
Alas, nope! I like wired mice! CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #11
Reboot will most likely fix it Nictuku Jul 2021 #15
I just did that, and now it's working! CaliforniaPeggy Jul 2021 #16
Yay!!! Nictuku Jul 2021 #17
Yay also! Hela Jul 2021 #18

Hela

(465 posts)
1. Ctrl + C or Ctrl + V?
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:13 PM
Jul 2021

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

(152,079 posts)
5. I'm not used to using this, but I tried a moment ago, and ......zip.
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:17 PM
Jul 2021

Of course, I may be doing it wrong!

dweller

(25,045 posts)
2. Use keyboard
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:13 PM
Jul 2021

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

Been a long time 😐

✌🏻

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)
8. Powering down and restarting probably solves the majority of these weirdnesses...
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:21 PM
Jul 2021

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

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,079 posts)
14. I powered it down for a few minutes......and now it allows me to copy and paste!
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:41 PM
Jul 2021

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

I will remember.

Thanks again!

pwb

(12,199 posts)
4. Is your mouse ball dirty?
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:15 PM
Jul 2021

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

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,079 posts)
7. I have a mouse that doesn't have a mechanical ball. It has a red light, which is off now.
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:19 PM
Jul 2021

Maybe it's that.

pwb

(12,199 posts)
9. That could be it.
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:22 PM
Jul 2021

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

Nictuku

(3,863 posts)
17. Yay!!!
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 02:50 PM
Jul 2021

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

(465 posts)
18. Yay also!
Tue Jul 13, 2021, 03:54 PM
Jul 2021

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

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