flashing start, keyboard shortcut error

[Guest]

The start window flashes on and off rapidly periodically, and the keyboard
launches the start window shortcuts spontaneously, very often...i have to
type holding down the shift key...please help.

 

[JaKar]

I would try these for starters: Ad-Aware and Spybot to
search for spyware and Trendmicro for a online virus
scan, they are all free.

Look for Ad-Aware SE Personal:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/default.shtml.en

Spybot:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Online Virus scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

If your able, run the virus scan first.

It would be best to run the spyware scanners in safe
mode, but make sure to update them before re-starting in
safe mode. Hit F8 a few times until a menu comes up when
your computer restarts, pick safe mode. Run the programs
after windows starts up. In fact, I'd run them twice in
safe mode, but reboot in between.

I hope that helps you. I would have said it was a video
problem, but you said its 'JUST' the start menu area?

 

[Sharon F]

The start window flashes on and off rapidly periodically, and the keyboard
launches the start window shortcuts spontaneously, very often...i have to
type holding down the shift key...please help.

Is your Windows key stuck? If it is, a program listed in that first start
menu panel would launch when the starting letter is typed. It may be
necessary to tap the Windows key several times to get it "unstuck."

 

[Guest]

I can't believe it, but it looks like the key was stuck. There's no telling
how long I would have tried to figure that out on my own. Thank you so much.

 

[Sharon F]

I can't believe it, but it looks like the key was stuck. There's no telling
how long I would have tried to figure that out on my own. Thank you so much.

You're welcome and am glad that I could help! First generations of the
keyboards with a Windows key often had a problem with the key toggling
correctly. It was a common complaint in the newsgroups and what you
described in your message rang a bell regarding those posts from long ago.