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Win XP--double click opens properties

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18 replies

by blakeinpoway1 2 views

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Hi, all! I am having issue with my laptop. It's a Dell Inspiron 8100; Basically, it is acting as though the Alt key is being pressed. Double-clicking on desktop icons opens the Properties menu. I can right-click and choose Open, but I can't type anything because, again, it is acting as though the Alt key is being pressed, i.e., typing F brings up the File menu. I can log on as this user, and for the first while there is no problem, but then suddenly it will start happening. If I log in as a different user, I still have the same problem. I have scanned my computer with Ad-Aware SE and deleted any viruses found. Also, I checked the Device Manager, but didn't see any ATI anything. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

18 replies

by blakeinpoway1

Sticky keys aren't enabled, but I'm not sure how to disable accessability options.

by mylittlemansanidiot

If sticky keys is disabled, it's obviously not the problem. Just thought I'd throw it out there. Often times the solution is staring us in the face, but we can't see the forest for the trees. Sorry I couldn't be of more help :(.

by gary56789

Start--Run and type in: regsvr32 /i shell32,click OK.

by ozzylogic

One of my users had a similar issue. Everytime she double clicked, it would open the right click options, thanks a tonne!

by mkershaw

Right thanks so much for that run command whoever you are, pity I didn't see this posting until I reinstalled Win XP but hey ho! Right, I had both of these symptoms - all keyboard strokes only related to Alt key commands and I couldn't type at all. Solved this by creating a new user and using the Ctrl A which creates a weird character but Windows allows this with no password and full admin rights. Once created go Start Log Off and Switch User to the new user you just created. When it loads up you can type!

I would really be interested to know what that run command does though. Cheers Marc

by saiprasannasamala

If u are getting properties when ever u double click on an icon.
Then go to RUN n type : regsvr32 /i shell32.

This will fix the problem.

Thanks for those who made me know it.

by christee8

im so sorry- i posted this in the wrong spot-the above script is a fix for when double-clicking opens "SEARCH" instead of simply opening file/folder/etc.
:P

by blakeinpoway1

That's ok, the important thing is that you were trying to help. Thank You

by seanferd

It is re-registering shell32.dll, so it is properly entered into the registry, and other executable files can call functions from it properly. Shell32.dll is an important Explorer shell file.

If you just type regsvr32 in a cmd window or the run box, it will tell you a little about itself. Many other commands will display help by typing /? after the command. (Note that there is a space between the command and /?

by mkershaw

Hi thanks for replying, always good to get more info on things. Unfortunately, I have tried it again but the problem keeps happening. I have to log on with 1 account and then switch user before I can use my keyboard. Even then, the Alt key does not work at all.

Any ideas?

by thecaudex

I have had the same problem albeit not on a lapdog - alt key appears to be stuck, rendering keyboard pretty useless and making mouse difficult to use.

I browsed numerous forums and tried among others:

Replacing the keyboard/mouse
Repairing the registry regsvr32 /i shell32 etc.
Checking control panel->accessibility options
Upgrading the Bios (as the alt key issue is there from boot - ms boot diskette)

Ultimately I think the problem is a glitch in the embedded device controller (on the motherboard). To resolve it I simply removed all keyboards/mice and started the computer. On boot it complains that there isn't a keyboard attached. At this point attach the keyboard and press the appropriate key to allow the boot process to continue. That's it.

Since doing this the keyboard and mouse have worked perfectly. Sorry, quite how you remove and re-attach a laptop keyboard I am not sure.

by katts03

Hi
I was wondering whether you found a solution to your problem as I am now having the same problem.

by erik67c

Cntrl + Alt + left-shift and at the same time Cntrl + Alt + right-shift

Old family remedy from back in the olden days of DOS.

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