Windows XP start menu

Dear all,
I have to push the Windows button (next to Ctrl) three times to activate the start menu (formerly it worked normally on first push), do you know, how to repair it without reinstalling all Windows? Thanks for help.

 

The right Windows key makes the same as the left one.
Milos

 

Jumping in to give my 2 cent suggestion...

Have you tried a different keyboard? It could just be a hardware issue.

 

Anything besides the Start Menu slow to respond? It may be nothing more than too much stuff running for the computer to handle easily.

Right after you boot up the computer, before opening any programs, open Task Manager. What's the number in the CPU column for System Idle Process?

 

At least you have a Win key ... IBM has never seen the need to put one on their laptop keyboards.

 

The problem is not in slow response or too many tasks - it works in this way even if I have no application running. The computer is fast enough (1.8 GHz). It seems to be like Tab key - the active part of desktop jumps from small icons next to start button to My computer and to start button. The start menu appears on every third pushing of the start menu key. It must be something in Windows.

 

Did you try another keyboard?

I was wondering whether the WinKey worked normally in it's other functions?

Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
Windows + F: Display Search for files
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
Windows + break: Display System Properties box
Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
Windows + L: Lock the workstation
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager

PeteC's keyboard suggestion is the first thing I would do, if all function was abnormal. It's not likely to be a Windows problem.

But, ya never know... I did remember this You could try toggling WinKey (with a reboot in the middle) and see if that fixes it. .Running sfc w/ the cd could theoretically fix it, too. Did you try the System Restore to a known working date?
Johanna

 

Thanks, I will try all these tips on the weekend because I have not the computer here now.

 

Since this is opening the startmenu, when you use the startbutton do you also experience a bit of lag time for the startmenu display?

Just double checking for a startmenu tweak needed or an actual winkey mapping problem.

 

I haven't had another keybord but I have tried to reinstall the keyboard - no change. Other functions with Win key work properly.

 

When using the Taskbar's Startbutton to open the startmenu, does it open or display slowly?

My thought is that it might not be the winkey but the startmenu its self causing the problem.

Perhaps if you experimented by playing around with some of the options available to you when you customize this menu via a right click on the startbutton and a selection of "properties ">startmenu tab>customize button.

Maybe a switch from Xp to Classic Style or vis versa????

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Are you forced to do the same tap dance using key combo of "cntrol + esc "?

 

When I use mouse for starting startmenu, it works fast. Both XP and Classic Style behave in the same way (normally I use Classic Style). Ctrl+esc works properly. Its really strange that the active point jumps on parts of screen like tab key by pressing the start button.