Selection Issue

[blegit1980]

Hi, For some reason all of a sudden all Windows applications are running as if the control button was pushed. Example. In Outlook, If I select a message it will select all the messages from the original selected message to the newly selected message. This is the same case with all other applications. The issue dissapears when I reboot the machine. Any insights??

Running Windows XP SP2.

 

[vanka25]

It is possible that Sticky Keys have been enabled and when you pressed the Control key, it got "stuck". I would check to make sure that Sticky Keys are disabled.

 

[blegit1980]

How would I go about doing that?? Thanks!

Simon

 

[vanka25]

To turn off StickyKeys, go to the Control Panel (make sure you are viewing it in Classic Mode) and open the Accessibility Options applet. Under the Keyboard tab make sure Use StickyKeys is unchecked. Also, click on the Settings button and uncheck Use shortcut. This will prevent you from accidentally turning on StickyKeys in the future.

 

[blegit1980]

Hi Yanka25, I have checked the ststus of stickykeys. They are off. Any other suggestions?? Thanks


Simon

 

[vanka25]

Try hooking up another keyboard to the computer and see if the problem persists. It does sound as if the control or shift key is stuck or malfunctioning.

 

[linney]

Keep an eye on this similar thread.
Key 'e' opening windows explorer
thread779-1470198



Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp