Can't Open Programs

[jwalker007]

Hi....I've recently seen a new problem on my XP system. When I click on ANY desktop program, the only thing that opens is the property menu of that application. If I reboot, everything is fine...but I may have to reboot several times a day. I did a complete clean up...registry, antivirus, defender, spybot checking for any problems but that didn't seem to help. Any suggestions? jjwalker007

 

[kimsland]

It's usually the right click "Open" command (context menu) missing
But rebooting shouldn't fix that

You did run all AntiVirus/Spyware tests fully?

 

[jwalker007]

Yes...that is the first thing I did. Windows Defender...Spybot Seach and Destroy...AVG Antivirus....and some registry checks. I did not find anything that was unusual. Jwalkeroo7

 

[kimsland]

By the way, is right click "open" showing

Or does it show "open" when its faulted?

 

[jwalker007]

When I right click...the program box "flashes" and I cannot enter it. If I left click, the only thing that opens is the program's property box...the shortcut tab. When I click on the start button to reboot...sometimes I can just restart...but sometimes when I click on the start button, it will simply "flash" and I have to just shut the CPU down because I can't do it from the start button. I did just install a new modem and wireless router yesterday...I wonder if that is doing something....Jwalker

 

[kimsland]

Save this reg file, then run it
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/contextmenu.reg

Not sure if you need to restart