Phantom input

Last 4 or 5 days have been running into strange problem of automatic propagation of '+' signs into input enabled fields (dialogs, forms, text documents) preventing my own input. Generally happens after a few hours of processing but can't correlate it with use of any specific application. After it begins, any further keyboard input in any application is impossible. Disappears after complete shutdown and reboot (just 'Restart' doesn't stop it). Seems like some kind of virus activity but am always running Norton Anti-Virus, Internet Security and Pest Patrol enabled. Full system scan with current virus signatures detects no viruses.

Am running applications that have been running fine for several months except added StyleXP a couple weeks ago (but problem occurs even when it is disabled).

Config: Dell Inspiron 8200 Pentium 4 notebook, 512MB, WinXPHome, MSIE 6.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

 

This sounds obvious, I know - but could it be that the "+" key on the keyboard is a tad sticky?

 

It doesn't appear sticky; use + and = frequently in Excel and Quicken. In addition, this afternoon it started keying in '-'s. Did complete shutdown and reboot, still got phantom '-' typing on Logon screen, shutdown and rebooted ahain and everything back to normal.

 

Is it possible you have speech-recog input enabled and a live microphone next to the PC? In that case, random sounds in the room could be the cause. For instance, the speech thing has real problems dealing with a dog's bark.

 

I think I'd be probably be inclined to swap the keyboard - just to eliminate it.

 

Thanks for all your thoughtful suggestions. However, while rebooting after encountering another episode I just happened to notice something that probably explains it.

I have my notebook cables (power, network, printer, usb, etc) wrapped and observed that the whole pack had slipped on top of my external numeric keypad ! I suspect this is most likely the explanation.

I'm chagriined to the max for not having checked this out before. Nevertheless, I appreciate all your responses.

 

LOL - that would certainly do it. Don't feel bad though. We've all done similar things. And thanks for the feedback.