Windows XP forum: Strange highlighting problem with XP

I have the same problem. I am running WinXP Home though I have had this problem on other versions in the past.

I used to think that the problem was only in Excel but I soon came to realize that it passes on to all other programs as well. If I go into Windows Explorer I can not highlight a single file without also highlighting all files in the list above it. Text boxes become useless if you try to select only part of the text. Etc.Etc.
It can be solved by rebooting or relogging in to the system. In either case windows is restarted and the bug is circumnavigated.
I have never been able to isolate the trigger for this bug. I am pretty sure it has something to do with the mouse.

I also just solved the problem by shutting down Firefox and opening IE. (?) Co-incindence?
Does this mean that the problem is linked to a system object that is part of Internet Explorer? We all know that the two are totally interdependent but that seems a bit much.
I thought it might have something to do with 'Sticky Keys' (what ever that is. usually for me sticky keys has something to do with dripping ice cream), but that does not seem to be the case.

Anyway, this is not a new issue as I ran into it in Win98 as well. It is probably related to the million lines of code compiled into Windows OS's that no longer have a purpose.

Bottom line it seems to me is that Windows doesn't like my mouse or my keyboard or my motherboard. They are probably not new enough or something.

I have also wrestled with the possibility that this may have something to do with a cheap or twitchy power supply.

My latest computer came in a really cheap case so the power supply is probably cr-p.

Anybody else out there?

My problem started being noticable after updating my browser (Firefox). I went to Tools, Opeions, General, and under scrolling enabled "Use Smooth Scolling." Problem solve.

I hit the left-right Shift key simultaneously and it worked.
I signed up for cnet just to tell you thank you!

I also signed up with CNET to say thanks for the tip!

The "highlighting" issues started when my cat walked all over my netbook keyboard. When I tried to highlight icons or text, everything would get selected! I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what was wrong with the mouse since it wouldn't scroll up/down pages, but rather would move forward and backward through my page history also. Thanks again for the great advice! Sounds strange, but it taping the shift keys worked!

it worked. thanks

Thank you sysons, your tip worked. Signed up for CNET just to tell you thanks!

Thanks for this awesome tip sysons! I have no idea what caused this to happen, but I guess I wasn't alone. Was pulling m y hair out like the others and then thanks to google and CNET found this post and it worked! Hallelujah! Had to post a reply like the others to say thanks.

Thanks - you saved me, i had one hour to go before submitting my assignment and my laptop suddenly started acting up...