BleepingComputer.com: mouse keeps clicking

I am not sure how to explain this, but I will do my best: computer boots fine, and everything comes up as usual. However, when I click an icon, say for internet explorer, it will open about 65 IE windows. It will keep trying to open more windows until I break the internet connection. It takes a while, but I am able to clear all those windows out. If I try to click another icon, it will open/close rapidly but I can close it out. If I click on the "start" menu to turn off the computer, it will open/close rapidly and go into sleep mode. Ctrl+Alt+delete does not bring up the task menu thing (forgot what it is called).

If I am patient, it will stop and I am able to get onto the internet or any other application. The cycle is repeated if I turn the computer off and back on later.

I have no idea where to start. Thinking it was simply the mouse, I went out and purchased another - no change. Thinking it could be a virus, I scanned with Windows Onecare - no change.

That about sums it all up. Any suggestions?

Well, I would say that if we rule out a virus cause, your system seems to have a lot of corrupted files. Did you recently remove a virus? Did you run a registry cleaner (destroyer to be exact... )?

You will probably need to repair your Windows. You'll need your XP CD for that. If a repair is not enough, perhaps a reformat.

You could always try a sfc /scannow.

You could also post a HJT log in the malware removal section of the forum to make sure you don't have any malware causing these symptoms.

This post has been edited by karbo1: 12 February 2009 - 09:20 PM

To help rule out the possibility of infection may I suggest that you run several online scans?

http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
http://housecall.trendmicro.com
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html
http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
http://onlinescan.avast.com/
http://ca.com/us/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx
http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner Scan Only - no removal
<links compiled on 02/14/2008>

Thanks for the replys.

I am going to try a virus scan if I can. This thing is acting up so much I can't get much done.

I'll report back later.

Okay, here's the follow-up: I ran several virus scans but no change. This morning, I took the back off the computer and cleaned all the dust out, and there was a lot! I've had this computer for several years and have not cleaned it. Well, booted it back up and the problem is solved!

I guess with all the dust, heat built up or something and was causing this crazy behavior. I am not that technologically savy, but I would assume preventative maintenance would include a yearly cleaning? Well, it will become a part of my routine.

Thanks to all for the help.

FWIW: Cleaning the Interior of your PC - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/cleaning-the-inside-of-your-pc/

Louis