I can't delete files

I can't delete files or rename them. When I right click (or press delete), all I get is the egg timer, & I have to ctrl+alt+del. This happens on the desktop & in explorer. I can however create new folders & drag files into them & then delete the folder & it's contents.
I have re-installed windows xp pro sp2 & this has not rectified the problem. Does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be & how to rectify it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

Based on this symptom, i would think that the problem is a malfunctioning shell extension. You have SP2, and installed (or had installed) something that isnt compatible with DEP.

This is relatively painless to test for. Download ShellExView and use it to disable all non-microsoft extensions (you can sort by manufacturer). Disable them, reboot and see if your problem is resolved. If so, then start enabling them a few at a time until you get your culprit.

This is a pretty common problem, and easy enough to fix. If using shellexview raises some questions, please ask, we can walk you through it

Post back with your results, if its not a column handler holding the handle, there are some other things to look at.

 

Will try out tonight & post the results.

Thanks very much