desktop window won't stay open

I have 5 computers running winxp sp2, all with identical settings as best I can control, because I like the convenience. On 1 computer, when I right click start from desktop and click [open all users], the start menu flashes open and then closes. It will stay open if I depress the Ctrl button, but closes on release. If I right click Start and select [explore all users], the window stays open like it should. All other computers do not have this problem. No other problems seem to be present. I have done all preliminary malware checks and scans and nothing has surfaced. Is there a setting that controls this issue?

 

Maybe this will help:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/292504/en-us
It explains and details group policy settings that apply to the XP start menu.
It could also be a registry setting has somehow been changed; there are many registry settings that determine the length of time a certain activity should take to open or remain open. I think that this key has somehow been modified. You can try a system restore to another date before this issue started. If you can't access your Run button, open the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL). Click File, select New Task, and type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe This will open the System Restore dialog. You might also want to try a system 'tweaker' type tool that allows for customizing times and time limits for Windows activities. RegToy and MZ Tweaker are two that come to mind; both are free here at Major Geeks.

Good Luck!

 

Just curious, if you right-click a folder on the desktop and select Open does it stay open?

 

Thanks for the response. I reviewed the microsoft link but don't really understand its content. I didn't see an entry that seems to control the window staying open, or why the control key being pressed would keep the window open. In the process of searching for malware, the restore points were eliminated, but before that happened, I did go back to the oldest restore point for another issue, and the problem is still present. Can you advise on how to resolve this?

Regarding this post, [Just curious, if you right-click a folder on the desktop and select Open does it stay open?], all other right click functions on the desktop are ok.

 

Hi, what I was trying to determine was if the Open command when applied to any folder opens a window for just a few seconds or does it only happen when right-clicking the Start button.

 

It only happens with the start button. I indicated on the first post that all other function are ok. Hope you can help.