> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.virtualcontrollersupply.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Troubleshooting

> Diagnose issues relating to the STARS Keyboard.

<Note>
  **Please complete the steps on this page before contacting us for support,** as it will greatly assist in solving the issue.
</Note>

This guide is designed to help you quickly identify the source of an issue with the STARS Keyboard.

In most cases, problems are caused by simple setup or software issues rather than hardware. The steps below start with quick checks before moving into more detailed testing.

Follow each step in order. This process will help determine whether the issue is related to:

* The STARS Keyboard itself
* Your computer
* CRC
* Something else

## Step 1: Quick Checks

These suggestions often resolve common issues and only take a minute to try. Check if they do anything to improve or resolve the problem.

### Test

1. Verify CRC is in focus when pressing keys on the STARS Keyboard. CRC does not recognize key presses if a different application is in focus.
2. Run CRC in `debug` mode and check the logs for messages related to the STARS Keyboard.
3. If the keyboard is plugged into a USB hub, try plugging it directly into the computer instead.
4. Disable software that could potentially cause interference, such as keybinding utilities.
5. Unplug and then replug in the STARS Keyboard.
6. Restart CRC completely.
7. Restart your computer and then relaunch CRC.

### Result

<Check>
  If the issue is resolved, no further action is needed.
</Check>

<Danger>
  If the issue persists, continue to [Step 2](#step-2-test-standard-keyboard) for more detailed testing.
</Danger>

## Step 2: Test Standard Keyboard

As discussed in the [Keymap & Shortcuts](/keymap) guide, the keyboard is a composite USB device with some keys that act like a standard keyboard, and others that act like a joystick-style input. This step confirms that your computer recognizes the standard keyboard keys properly.

### Open a Text Editor

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows" icon="windows">
    Open a text editor like Notepad, Microsoft Word, or similar.

    1. Click the **Start Menu**
    2. Type `Notepad`
    3. Open **Notepad**
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="macOS" icon="apple">
    Open a text editor like TextEdit, Microsoft Word, or similar.

    1. Press `Command (⌘) + Space`
    2. Type `TextEdit`
    3. Press Enter to open **TextEdit**
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Test

1. Press several of the white `A-Z` keys on the STARS Keyboard.
2. Confirm that the characters you pressed appear in the text editor.

### Result

<Check>
  If the characters appear correctly, continue to [Step 3](#step-3-test-gamepad-keys).
</Check>

<Danger>
  If no input appears, skip to [Debugging: Keyboard Not Detected](#debugging-keyboard-not-detected).
</Danger>

## Step 3: Test Gamepad Keys

This step confirms that your computer recognizes the joystick or gamepad-style keys properly.

### Open a Button Tester

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows" icon="windows">
    Use an online tool like [Gamepad Tester](https://hardwaretester.com/gamepad) or install a third-party application such as the [VKB Button Tester](https://vkbsimcontrollers.com/pages/downloads).

    To use the online tool:

    1. Ensure the device is plugged in
    2. Navigate to the page linked above
    3. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard to detect the device
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="macOS" icon="apple">
    Use an online tool like [Gamepad Tester](https://hardwaretester.com/gamepad), or install a third-party application.

    To use the online tool:

    1. Ensure the device is plugged in
    2. Navigate to the page linked above
    3. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard to detect the device
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Test

1. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard.
2. As you press the keyboard keys, watch the button tester application for buttons lighting up or other indications that keypresses are being recognized.

### Result

<Check>
  If the buttons respond when pressed, continue to [Step 3](#step-3-check-crc).
</Check>

<Danger>
  If the buttons **do not** respond, try unplugging/replugging the device and repeat Step 2. If the issue persists, this may indicate a connection or hardware issue. [Reach out for support](/support).
</Danger>

## Step 3: Check CRC

If you completed the previous steps successfully, then your STARS Keyboard and computer are functioning correctly. At this point, the issue is most likely related to CRC not properly detecting or handling device inputs.

### Next Steps

If the issue persists, please [contact us](/support) and send:

1. Your CRC logs while running in `debug` mode
2. Your operating system
3. A description of the issue
4. What troubleshooting steps you've tried from this page and the results

We can review the logs and, if needed, coordinate directly with the CRC team to help resolve the issue.

## Debugging: Keyboard Not Detected

If the standard keyboard keys do not work in Step 2, your computer is not recognizing the device correctly.

### Try This First

1. Unplug the keyboard
2. Plug it back in firmly
3. Try a different USB port on your computer, and avoid USB hubs if possible.

### Then, Check if the Device is Recognized

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows" icon="windows">
    Check the Windows Device Manager

    1. Press the **Start Menu**
    2. Type `Control Panel`
    3. Open **Control Panel**
    4. Click **Devices and Printers**

    Look for a device called `STARS Keyboard` in the **Devices** or **Unspecified** sections. It may also appear as a **USB Input Device**, **HID-compliant device**, or a similar generic name.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="macOS" icon="apple">
    Check System Information

    1. Click the **Apple Menu** in the top-left
    2. Click **About This Mac**
    3. Click **More Info**
    4. Scroll to the bottom of the **General** page and click **System Report**
    5. In the left sidebar, click **USB**

    Look for a device called `STARS Keyboard`, or one that appears when the keyboard is plugged in.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Result

<Check>
  If the device appears in the list, try [Step 2](#step-2-test-standard-keyboard) again.
</Check>

<Danger>
  If the device does **not** appear in the list, this may indicate a connection or hardware issue. [Reach out for support](/support).
</Danger>