Ok, Im running Windows XP sp2 with Firefox 3 as my browser. For past few days, for some reason, Ive been experiencing weird stuff on my computer. For example, it seems like StickyKeys keep turning on without my permission, as if certain keys on my keyboard, like "x", enables it. When this is enabled, each key on my keyboard acts like a shortcut for something else(like "d" opens up "downloads" for firefox.)Firefox also starts to act up: my mouse scroller makes pages zoom in and out, links open in separate tabs, and it just a very frustrating experience,. I have scourged google for ways to fix this but nothing works. I tried the "double shift" method, doesnt work. I tried opening up Accessibility options in the control panel and unchecking features, doesnt work. I tried disabling sticky keys in the registry by resetting values, doesnt work. The only thing that stops it temp is opening and closing the onscreen keyboard, until i enable it again just by typing. this is getting frustrating and I cant keep using the onscreen keyboard to shut it off. Even when using the onscreen keyboard for typing, the stickykey thing is enabled with that. HELP!!!!
well first thing's first, do a virus scan or use ad aware or something. if that doesn't "help", i'd uninstall firefox and reinstall it. If that doesn't work, try going back to IE. disclaimer: rudimentary half-assed computer help.
thing is, its not firefox, it seems to be an XP thing. i did run a virus scan, but didnt seem to solve anything.
Try forums.notebookreview.com Those guys can give you advice on how to fix anything. Thank me later, lol.
Why not download XP SP3 or greater (do they have an sp4?) Windows Update can be a pain in the *** but it can help fix a lot of little bugs.
One of the IT guys at work said hit the shift key 5 times....? not sure if it's BS but it's worth a shot (or was that what caused it?) lol J/K
Microscum just came out with SP3 for XP. You should be able to do an update. Doesnt cost anything at all.
Did you get a recent windows update? I got one and after my comp started turning on and off. I finally had enough and just reformatted my computer........... That was about the only thing I could explain the sudden change with.
From the help and support centre.. StickyKeys is designed for people who have difficulty holding down two or more keys simultaneously. When a shortcut requires a key combination, such as CTRL+P, StickyKeys will enable you to press a modifier key (CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT), or the Windows logo key (), and have it remain active until another key is pressed. Open Accessibility Options. On the Keyboard tab, under StickyKeys, click Settings. Do one of the following: To use the shortcut that allows you to turn StickyKeys on or off by by pressing the SHIFT key five times, select the Use shortcut check box. To specify that when a modifier key (CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT), or the Windows logo key () is pressed twice in succession, the key will remain active until the key is pressed again, under Options, select the Press modifier key twice to lock check box. To turn off StickyKeys when a modifier key (CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT), or the Windows logo key () and another key are pressed simultaneously, under Options, select the Turn StickyKeys off if two keys are pressed at once check box. To play a tone to indicate when a modifier key (CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT), or the Windows logo key () is pressed, locked, or released, under Notification, select the Make sounds when modifier key is pressed check box. To display an icon for StickyKeys on the taskbar when StickyKeys is turned on, under Notification, select the Show StickyKeys status on screen check box. Note To open Accessibility Options, click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options. Hope it helps...
not since I reformatted no. I actually took the easy way out, I just didn't feel like messing with it and I couldn't even enter safe mode. Haven't had trouble since so my feeling is either a driver got messed up or it was the windows update. and I don't go there anymore hardkore....... edit: I think I remember it being a pretty big update too........
i mean before you reformatted, did you have issues with your keyboard? like certain keys would set off "shortcut" mode?
also i tried "double shift", hitting the "right shift key", system restart/shutdown/, system restore, editing registries, and verbal threats. none have worked so far.
you can also try calling microsoft help and seeing if anyone else has reported problems........ If they have they'll probably tell you they have a patch or something.
I just did SP3 Monday I think. Afterwards, I had 2 or 3 security updates that were automatic and they rebooted my machine. Keep in mind, these security updates happenend like 10-20 hours after doing SP3. XP is well on its way out (Unfortunately) and I was surprised they even messed with a SP3. I think it was more for security issues than anything, and that the security updates were afterthoughts, after they had already devolped SP3. Microscum is very good at not fixing things right the first time, creating band-aids, putting a new name on it and charging you for the new name...ala Windows 97, 98, and 2000.
Don't know what your funds are like, but you can score LEGIT XP for just over 100.00 bones right now. Check Costco and Tigerdirect I have a desktop AND laptop with 2000 and plan on upgrading to XP now that it is soooo cheap
sorry mate, didn't see that at first then re-read...should have done that before posting I suppose! my bad