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Win XP double-click opens properties

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Hi, all! One user is having issue on two workstations; basically it is acting as though the Alt key is being pressed. Double-clicking on desktop icons opens the Properties box with the Shortcut tab selected. Can right-click and choose Open, but cannot type in any program because again it is acting as though the Alt key is being pressed, i.e., typing F brings up the File menu. I have checked StickyKeys, those are not turned on (turning them on and off does not correct the issue). Can log on to these workstations as another user without a problem, and can log on as this user and at first there is no problem, but user states suddenly it will start happening. My first thought was that a keystroke combo was doing this but I have searched MS, this forum and another and have not found any resolution. Does have updated Symantec Corporate and no viruses found. Will clean out spyware but after that I am at a loss. Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

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Strange problem. My first thought would be to fire the employee ;-)…but seriously..Is this a domain??…and could it be an issue of roaming profiles if you are using them??

-Norm

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It is a domain but we do not use roaming profiles. Thanks!

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Hi,

Check the mouse properties in Control Panel, to make sure that the functions of the buttons haven’t been reversed.

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I did check the mouse properties on both workstations and they are OK. Thanks anyway!

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We do use a domain – I will see if having that user log in to yet another workstation will reproduce the error

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I’ve had this problem before on a few PCs and it was food crumbs stuck in the keys… Try cleaning and then try an second Keyboard. If you can log on to the system remotely and don’t have the same problem I would suspect a hardware issue…

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This is a user-specific issue, anyone else logging in does not have the problem. Thanks anyway!

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You said on two workstations, so I would assume the computer isn’t the problem. If you have access, you might consider backing up his data, and recreating his user account.

Also, I had a similar problem once, and it was related to ATI video card drivers (or more specifically, the little taskbar control program). If you are using ATI cards, try updating the drivers, or get rid of the taskbar program (waste of clock cycles anyway).

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User states no longer having the problem on her regular workstation and has not logged in to the other to test it. If the problem persists, I will delete her profile and let it re-create. Thank you

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Have you ran virus, malware scans?

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both PCs have updated virus protection and two spyware removal/blocker programs. Thanks!

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