Tab Key Not Working

Good day, @PVSI.

Thanks for sharing the troubleshooting that you've made to address the concern. 

The issue might be with the keyboard itself. This can be the reason why you're still getting the same behavior after using the Rebuild Data tool and using a new computer. 

Let's fix it by carefully turning the keyboard or laptop upside down and gently shake it. Usually, anything beneath the keys or inside the keyboard will shake out of the device, freeing up the keys for effective functioning once again.

You can also open another application on your computer and test if you're getting a similar result. If so, try using another keyboard or buy a new one to address the issue.

In case you need help in accomplishing other tasks in QuickBooks Desktop, you can check our articles on this link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/?product=QuickBooks%20Desktop

Should you have any follow-up questions or concerns, don't hesitate to post again here in the Community or leave a comment on this thread. Take care and have a good one.

Hi Customer, @PVSI.

Hope you’re doing great. I wanted to see how everything is going about the tab concern you had yesterday. Was it resolved? Do you need any additional help or clarification? If you do, just let me know. I’d be happy to help you at anytime.

Looking forward to your reply. Have a pleasant day ahead.

Hello. I have not heard from anyone. No solution at all. It's a bug in the program. Must be. New computer. New version of Quickbooks. I don't know what else it could be. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Sad thing is this. BRAND NEW COMPUTER. BRAND NEW KEYBOARD. Same result. Now what???

Let me provide additional steps to make the tab working again, PVSI.

It looks like the tab feature is damage. You'll want to do a clean install to fix the program. Let me show you how:

Step 1: Remove QuickBooks

1. Open the Windows Start menu. Search for “Control Panel”, then open Control Panel.
2. Select Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program.
3. From the list of programs, select your version of QuickBooks Desktop you want to uninstall.
4. Select Uninstall/Change and then Remove. 
5. Click Next.  
6. If you don’t see this option, sign out and sign back into Windows as an admin (or a user with admin rights).

Step 2: Gather your QuickBooks product info

1. Download the installer for your version of QuickBooks.
2. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements. 
3. Have your license number handy. It should be on the original package or in the purchase confirmation email if you bought a digital version.
4. Write down your product year and version.

Step 3: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

Also, if you're hosting QuickBooks, you can fully sign out of it and disconnect. Then, reboot your computer and re-connect to the hosting provider.

For other troubleshooting solutions, please refer to this link: Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

If the same issue persists after performing all those steps above, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Desktop Support Team. They can create a case to investigate the issue.

Let me know how everything turns out by commenting below. I'm always right here to help ensure the tab key will work.

Still have issues with tab key. It will work a few times, then all of the sudden it won't let you tab. Close program and reopen once or twice and the tab key works. Happens in my original computer and a brand new one we bought two weeks ago with a clean new install of everything.

thanks both the tab key and the enter function do not work what can we do its very annoyning

Thanks for alerting us through this thread, @1proficient.

Let me help you back to your working order.

Are you trying to move between fields when pressing the tab or enter key? If so, there's a general setting in QuickBooks where you can enable this feature. To find this, you'll have to check your preferences in the system.

Here's how:

1. Select the Edit menu at the top, then choose the Preference tab.
2. Select the General tab.
3. Uncheck the box that says 'Pressing Enter moves between fields.'
4. Click OK.
   
   

If the issue persists, I suggest using our repair tool to run quick fixes for unusual behavior in the system: Repair your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.

In addition, you can easily navigate the features by using the built-in keyboard shortcuts. Feel free to peek at this article: Keyboard shortcuts in QuickBooks Desktop.

Let me know if you have other concerns when running QuickBooks to fulfill your business needs by placing a comment below. I'm always ready to help. Have a nice day ahead.

Thanks for trying. I have done everything you have suggested! Nothing seems to work. The tab key will work fine and then every third or fourth or fifth time it will lock up. You can't use the tab key. If you close Quickbooks and reopen it, everything is fine for the next few times. Then it will happen again. I have run the quickbooks doctor, repair and even did a delete of all data and restored from a back up. Not sure what causes this, it's very frustrating!!! It's really strange. When it happens, the tab key when first pressed moves half way between the field you are on and the next field. Then you hear a ding, and you can't go anywhere. You can move the cursor with the mouse, but you have to use the mouse to move between each and every field at that point. Like I said, if you close quickbooks and reopen it, things are fine. Maybe there is something in my setup that causes this. I have even bought a new computer and upgraded to quickbooks 2021, so it has to be something either in the data or setup. Hope this helps.

I appreciate you for doing all the suggested steps in this thread, @PVSI. I know you want this to get resolved quickly. 

Since the issue persists, I'd recommend contacting our Customer Care team. They can conduct a screen-sharing session to help you check what's causing this to happen and help you fix it. They can also submit a request to investigate the issue whenever necessary. 

Here's how: 

1. Go to the Help menu.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. Click Contact Us.
4. Enter "Tab key not functioning" as a description of your issue, then click Let's talk.
5. Then choose your preferred way to connect with them.

Get back to us here if you have additional concerns. We'll be here to guide you more. 

Sorry. They are a JOKE. I am not wasting my time ANYMORE! Most of these people don't speak ENGRISH! Get IT!!!

omg!! I had no idea there was a preference for the 'Enter' key to work between fields!! I just spent over 3 hours last night and had to buy a subscription for $124 so the chat support guy could help me figure out why my Enter key wasn't working....and he couldn't figure it out!! omg I'm so happy but also so annoyed now! :(   

Anyway I'm glad I found this answer!!

That's great you found the solution you were looking for, @Suec3. 

Please know that you can reach out to the QuickBooks Community anytime. We are always here to lend a hand. 

Have a wonderful day ahead!

This has nothing to do with the Tab key not working all of the time. Sometimes you can tab between fields and sometimes it just locks up and will not move the cursor. The problem is intermittent.