Selecting a file selects all files

[Mike012321]

My Uncle has a problem with his computer (WIN XP O/S):

When attempting to select a file in a documents folder,all the files in that folder become selected instead.

He said the problem seemed to start after he inadvertently pressed the shift key in combination with some other keys when working in Outlook Express.

On re-booting, there was a screen he hadn't seen before where he "had to make a selection".

His attempt to use system restore to solve the problem failed, as clicking on a "next" button within that programme had no effect.

Some of the above is unfortunately a bit vague but all I have to go on.

Might there be something that can be done during the start up sequence?

Thanks for any help.

Mike T

 

[WyldeCarde]

Sounds like he's turned on Sticky keys in advertently.

If you go into control panel and then accessibilty options have a look and see if any of the check boxes on the keyboard tab are check and if so, clear them.

 

[CertInProgress]

Or to access Sticky Keys, press Shift "5" times. =) just my 3¢

Computers are like bikinis. They save people a lot of guesswork.
-Sam Ewing-

 

[Diancecht]

If the problem "seemed to start" that way, maybe that's not the problem: I'd check the keyboard, changing it if possible. Maybe it has any key like Ctrl pressed.

Cheers,
Dian

 

[firewolfrl]

sounds like a stuck key

 

[Mike012321]

Thanks for the replies. My Uncle looked at sticky keys in Control Panel but the checkboxes were all unchecked. He then found that the problem had anyway disappeared. He wondered if an automatic update for his anti-virus software (AVG by Grisoft) may have righted the problem but only because he could not see what else could have done it.

But that was before the suggestion that a faulty keyboard could be the problem. I'll pass that one on to him in case the problem reappears.

cheers

Mike T