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XP - all icons bring up properties dialog - solved, see post #7

Muse

Muse

Lifer
This is my desktop. This started happening yesterday. I turned off the machine, restarted and it was OK. Today, I bring the machine out of suspend and again, all of my program icons bring up a properties dialog instead of launching. I couldn't even shut down the machine without pulling the plug. Control+Alt+Delete did not bring up the task manager and I could not access Start.

I again removed power and restarted and it's working now. What's wrong, what should I look for? Thanks for help!
 
Still happening. Seems OK after a reboot, but compute a while and it happens again. I swear I can find no way out of the predicament other than a reset or turning off power to the computer. 😕 I cannot run anything, AFAIK. Try to launch anything and the properties dialog comes up.

After the last restart I ran xp_taskbar_desktop_fixall.vbs, a utility someone turned me onto (likely here, and in this forum), that fixes an issue I sometimes get where I can't access anything on the taskbar (quicklaunch icons). Maybe that will fix the issue, will see...
 
It sounds like one of your ALT keys is stuck on. Have you tried a different keyboard?
 
VirtualLarry said:
spill something on your keyboard recently?
Click to expand...

No, no spill. That particular disaster has never happened to me, knock on wood.

Stuck alt key, I'll look into that. I did drag out my wireless keyboard the other day and replace its batteries and used it some. Normally I use a wired one. Both are operational. Maybe one or the other is defective. I'll look into that. Thanks for the ideas.
 
oynaz said:
Might be Sticky Keys fucking up. Check the disability settings.
Click to expand...

Actually, I think I know now, and the posts here about the Alt key pointed me in the right direction. I'm in the habit of putting my wireless keyboard aside, only using it occasionally, i.e. when I need it for HTPC use. That's on those rare occasions when my universal remote doesn't do all I want in terms of remote control. Well, I put that keyboard upside down so I don't get dust in it, and if I put it in the wrong place, I guess some keys can get pressed. I changed its position and the problem went away.
 
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