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Windows XP forum: Left mouse button no loger works to launch Desktop shortcuts

by: 91Tommy February 13, 2013 3:37 PM PST

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Left mouse button no loger works to launch Desktop shortcuts

by 91Tommy - 2/13/13 3:37 PM

OS is XP on a Dell Dimension 4300

For years everything worked fine. Then, without any obvious notice, the left mouse button will no longer open a Desktop icon. I have to use Open under the right mouse button. To get to the Control Panel, I have to do Run: Control Panel. Interestingly, once I'm in the control panel, the left mouse button will work to launch selections there.

I'm using a Logitec RX-1500 mouse, which has a USB terminal but I run it thru an adaptor for the round plug-in. My Kensington mouse now has the same effect I describe above.

I have read of this problem before but never heard of the solution. Has anyone had this?

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Clarification request: My Reply

by 91Tommy - 2/13/13 6:59 PM

In Reply to: Left mouse button no loger works to launch Desktop shortcuts by 91Tommy

Thanks Bob. I may try the Rkill stuff, etc. Sounds like a lot of
work. I had Norton AV running continuously. Hard to imagine that I got
some virus/malware.BTW, fwiw, the mice are NOT wireless; they are wired mice.

I'm not satisfied this issue is "answered" but when I tried to reply to Bob's post, it came back and said it was. A very confusing thing ...


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"I have Norton."

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/14/13 7:57 AM

In Reply to: My Reply by 91Tommy

Sorry but I don't want to upset you but Norton is not going to catch it all. I've lost count of folk that exclaim "I have Norton" and then proceed to ignore the scans for the malware.

Example? My dad's PC had Norton. And my dad's PC still was infected with a rather nasty ZeroAccess rootkit. Norton has a good sales staff but you can't rely on it entirely.

Hope this helps. And good to see the note about wired.

Let's hope it's not some click hijacker.
Bob


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Here my left button takes a double click to open.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 2/13/13 3:52 PM

In Reply to: Left mouse button no loger works to launch Desktop shortcuts by 91Tommy

Anyhow, try new batteries and the old boot to SAFE MODE, Device Manager to remove all mice then reboot and see if that helps.

There is a lot of malware I've detected by odd PC behavior. What I do next is follow Grif's sage advice at the link to follow.
Bob

-> http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6132_102-5098912.html?tag=posts;msg5099421


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