Help - Typing some letters opens unwanted programs

Question

I have been having problems I guess with my keyboard. When I have IE open and try to type in a field some letters cause other programs to open (e.g., d = minimize, e = windows explorer, f = search, r = run, etc.). I did not set it up to do this! Sometimes the start menu will open when I'm not even at the computer. When I run adaware, spybot, etc., it seems to go away for awhile and then comes right back the next time I'm on the computer. I don't think my menu key is stuck. This is driving me crazy! Can anyone help me?   I bought my whole computer from Dell (Dimension E310) and I've only had it a couple of months.

Nascar Nut72 · Answer

The clue you gave about running Spybot and ad-aware is a clue that you have a virus or spyware or malware that is not being cleaned entirely and and each time you restart your system it is being restarted. I suggest that you download a program called Hijack This and run it and then submit the results here so we can see what is running on your system that could be causing this problem. If you are familiar with MSCONFIG you can run it and look in the start-up and uncheck any application that you don't need from starting on your system bootup. You can also run system restore and select a date to restore when you system was running OK.

tommyo1954 · Answer

Scans for spyware and malware are most effective in Windows Safe Mode too. Also, you might consider temporarily shutting off your system restore because spyware can linger in there too; only to return again on next system reboot. You can also download SpywareBlaster (free) as it helps prevent a lot of spyware intrusion into your computer in the first place. As good as Adaware and Spybot are, they are removers....... SpywareBlaster is a "before the fact" type thing; for lack of better wording....it can greatly reduce spyware intrusions.

Make certain you update those programs for their latest definitions. And particularly with SpywareBlaster, make certain you update and also click the "enable all protection".

Mary G · Answer

Sounds like you are pressing the Windows key instead of the Shift key for a capital letter. What you describe are keyboard shortcuts--for instance: Windows key + F opens the search window, Windows key + E = Explorer, Win+R = Run key. Your keyboard might have Start on the Windows key and you are mistaking it for Shift. Check it out.

RoHe · Answer

If Mary G is correct that you're hitting the Windows key accidently, I saw a freeware utility somewhere on the net to disable that key. You might want to google for it. Gamers seem to have this problem so maybe somebody in the Gaming forum has a link to the utility handy.

Ron

rmarshall68 · Answer

I'm sure I'm not hitting the Windows logo key accidently as most all my passwords are lowercase. Any other suggestions? Thanks for your help.

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Help - Typing some letters opens unwanted programs

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