Single mouse click renames files! Help please

A friend of mine is having a problem with her PC, and it's something I have never come across before.

Every time she left clicks (single or double) to open a folder, it tries to rename the file.

I've tried to rectify the problem as best I know how, but to no avail. The steps that i've already taken are;

Re-install the mouse and keyboard drivers
Reset all folder options to default
Reset the Mouse/keyboard properties to default
Installed Logitech setpoint and my G5.
Removed all aftermarket mouse and keyboard drivers/software and used PS2 mouse with standard Plug and Play software.

Non of these have worked, and now I'm stuck!

Due to the fact that 2 other mice (mouses(?!)) have the same trouble, i can safely say that it is software related.

She beleives she may have pressed a combination of buttons on the keyboard before this started happening. I only used the PC for 20 minutes and i was ready to stab something, she has to use it every day so any help is extremely appreciated by her and me.

Comp: E-Machines 3230 on XP 32-bit SP3
Mouse/keyboard: Trust DS-3200

 

Have you tried adjusting the double-click speed?

Does her computer appear to be clean of viruses and spyware?

 

Sorry, I should've mentioned that, yes i did. I set it to slowest speed possible and it still did the same 'single click, rename' thing.

Regarding AntiVirus, I did notice that she wasn't running anything at all I mentioned that she should buy some form of subscription internet security package, but for now get a free one loaded on. You think that might be where the problem lies?

 

I think it might be. I'd get at least two Anti-Spyware Tools at http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html I can't claim to be an expert on what are the best ones to use. I currently only have Spybot Search & Destroy in my Win XP computer. If you want to stick to freeware for the time being, you might also try Spyware Blaster and/or SUPERAntiSpyware. These and many more can be downloaded from http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html

For anti-virus, I'm using http://www.majorgeeks.com/AVG_AntiVirus_Free_Edition_d886.html. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus is another popular one: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Avira_AntiVir_Personal_-_Free_Antivirus_d955.html. Avast! Home Edition is another: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Avast_Home_Edition_d1968.html. But, do not install two anti-virus programs; having two of them running in the background can cause conflict.

And, does she have a firewall, at least Windows firewall, running?

 

Yeh basic windows security settings are all turned on. I'll jump on remote assistance tonight and see if a quick virus scan blast will rectify it.

I'll post back and let you know how i get on

 

Right, I told her to buy Kaspersky IS '09. I installed it for her over Remote Assistance, updated/full system scan, and still no resolution. This is very strange and is something I've never come across, and by the looks of it, neither has anyone else! Your thoughts are appreciated, anyone?!

 

I've been thinking about this problem. Renaming an icon is usually more precise than a slow double-click. It is really one click to highlight the object and a second click on the label. When you single click is it on the picture or the label? Try aiming for the picture itself.

Also right-click the folder--which item is in bold type?

Is this only on folders? Other shortcuts work okay?

*****
None of these address the single click issue. But will set back defaults for folder associations.

How did you set all folder options to default? Maybe you could try Doug Knox's folder associations fix http://www.dougknox.com/xp/fileassoc/folder_reg.zip Unzip and double-click to apply.

Or the fix for when Search opens instead of explorer. http://www.dougknox.com/ Win XP fixes (on the left) and "Search/Command prompt opens when double clicking a folder" on the right pane.

 

Explore is in bold, and it doesnt matter whether its a folder, file or directory ( C: ), it will still rename it. Also it does the same when clicking on a picture or on the text.

Thankyou for your reply, but now she's thinking of buying a new PC because she's so annoyed with it. A perfect excuse for new hardware methinks!

Many thanks all

 

I saw this in a thread today and thought about your problem. It isn't an exact fix but it might reset to double click will open a file
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
scroll down to line 18, right side.
Someone kept getting search opening on a double click whereas yours is rename.
Any how, you can download the reg fix, have a look at it in notepad and see which registry keys control this.

 

Hmm not sure if its any help but IF somehow "Single click to open file" has been activated (which means hovering an icon will highlite it) and IF somehow F2 key is faulty then this will automatically force a RENAME on said icon. just a thought

 

Thanks lads, i'll ask her tomorrow and see if either of these are the case. F2 sounds strangely probable!