right click mouse menu

[afvet64]

I ran into a strange problem while working on another person's computer (has XP Pro). When I right clicked on the desktop, instead of getting the menu options, all it did was screen blink and then reset the desktop. There is no problem with the mouse as I can right click ON an object and get the options menu plus has been checked with two different mice. What I was trying to do on the desktop was just bring up the menu options to check properties. In a file folder, I also tried to right click and the same thing happened. I then tried to use the normal left hand menu to create a new file. Not a thing happened when I clicked on the menu option. I am rather suspecting that there is a system problem but have no virus or malware presence. There doesn't appear to be any option in the mouse options which would cause this effect. Anybody got any ideas??

[pam123]

Did the owner ever try customizing the right click menu or did he have one of those downloaded toolbars installed that does the same thing?
Has he, or anyone else, been in the Registry lately?
I think you may need to repair the Registry.
I'd say find a Restore point but from your post there's no way of telling when this might of happened and it isn't the fault of the mouse driver.

[afvet64]

I tried going back to the earliest set point that I could find with no resullt. As far as a downloadable toolbar; that is a definite possibility. I found a bunch of crap that had been installed and remnants of stuff that had been improperly uninstalled prior to me getting involved. So I have to agree that it could very well be a registry problem. I did clear up all the problems EXCEPT this one. I am shaky when it comes to working with the registry but will give it a look see (after I back it up, of course). I would have just reformatted and reinstalled the OS except that when he was given the computer, he did not get the disks (nor is it on a partion - first thing I looked for). Any other assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

[pam123]

Without an OS cd you may be stuck.
They guy may have to go buy one.

edit : This is a reason to check out e-bay just be careful of the seller's rating when you do.

[algogocom]

Without an OS cd you may be stuck.
They guy may have to go buy one.

edit : This is a reason to check out e-bay just be careful of the seller's rating when you do.
Yes i agree with you.You can not be careful enough when buying things online stores.
Wish you all have a good luck!
Rgds,

:p

[afvet64]

Thanks for the help. I had already warned him that he may have to purchase an OS for it. I sorta told him that the reason he may have been given the computer in the first place is that the former owners could not use it anymore for this very reason. It is very difficult to use a computer when you can't create new file folders. LOL