Uncontrollable scrolling in all apps

  • Thread starter Thread starter DSolymar
  • Start date Start date
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DSolymar

I have an HP Omnibook 6000 laptop that is running Windows 2000 Professional.
The computer seemed to be working fine until a couple of days ago when it
became impossible to select anything because the cursor would automatically
scroll down any menu in any program and cycle through all the options
continuously. This happens in Internet Explorer (selection goes all the way
to the bottom of the page and it's impossible to scroll back up without
holding down the Ctrl key at the same time), Windows Explorer, and all apps.
It even happens on startup, where I have a choice to select Windows 2000 or
my old Windows 98 OS; the selection bounces back and forth uncontrollably. I
can seem to stop the cursor if I hold down the Ctrl key at the same time. I
tried getting into my mouse settings (after several tries of trying to place
the cursor and click before the selection changed) and changing them, I have
tried updating my touchpad driver (Symantec) and I have removed my external
mouse from the computer to no effect. I have tried a different mouse with
the computer, with the same result. I even disabled my touchpad and
navigated with the keyboard and still saw the same problem. I have run
AdAware and Spybot to check for viruses and spyware, to no effect. I have
updated my BIOS to the latest version. I have also updated my video driver
to the latest version. I have run Diagnostic Tools and come up with nothing.
For some reason, I also cannot enter SafeMode. Is this a virus, a hardware
problem, or a mechanical problem and does anyone have a fix ?

Thanks for your help.
 
In
DSolymar said:
I have an HP Omnibook 6000 laptop that is running Windows 2000
Professional. The computer seemed to be working fine until a couple
of days ago when it became impossible to select anything because the
cursor would automatically scroll down any menu in any program and
cycle through all the options continuously. ... ....
Is this a virus, a hardware problem, or a mechanical problem and does
anyone have a fix ?
Click to expand...

It sounds to be a fixable hardware problem with the keyboard, which has a
stuck key. Start by opening the laptop so the screen is at about a 90-deg.
angle to the keyboard, then stand the laptop on its side so that the keypad
is in a vertical plane and the junk underneath can fall out more readily.

Then using some "canned air" carefully clean under the directional keys (and
all the others too). This may fix the problem, but if some liquid (usually
sugary soda) was spilled on the keypad and dried, then it may require
removal of the keypad and a more thorough cleaning and drying. If that
doesn't fix it, then a new keypad assembly may be required.

http://tinyurl.com/6nzx2d will tell you how to service your machine.
Removing, cleaning and replacing the laptop keypad is generally a very
simple process.
 
Thank you so much. I cleaned my keyboard with the compressed air, turned on
the machine, and the problem has disappeared. I'm glad I didn't have to take
anything apart, but I'll hold onto the service manual just in case I need it
in the future. Thanks again for your prompt and very helpful response.
 
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