Really really weird...need help!

[stuy91]

Hi, I'm running on XP, and just recently my computer started acting funny.  My partner went onto the internet (IE9) and it froze and afterwards the mouse started acting funny, or so she thought, and she replaced the batteries and stuff but was still strange.  Basically double clicks don't work anymore, so we cannot open folders that way.  Obviously they open with the right click, but then when they are opened the back button does not work to go back to My Documents like it should do.  Also after a while the system can freeze for a bit, so i'm wondering if it's just running so slow it doesn't notice double clicks?  (I checked on control panel...hardware...mouse about the double click speed and the folder opens).
I was thinking about just trying to restart windows, but it won't interrupt the boot-up sequence when I restart the computer, so I cannot get the Windows CD to try and repair it or anything.  I've also cleaned up the disk, and tried restoring the system to when it was working fine, and also checked for viruses etc.  Haen't defragged it, but I don't think that will make much difference...
Any ideas as to what I can do?

[dahlarbear]

1.  Laptop.  What is the Make and Model Number of the laptop, e.g. DELL Inspiron 1705?

2.  Operating System.  What version of windows are you using (Windows XP Home Edition, Professional, or Media Center)?

What Service Pack Level are you at (none, SP1, SP2, SP3)?

3.  Safe Mode.  From a cold start (power off), restart the computer while tapping the F8 function key once or twice a second until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears.  (If laptop, you may have to use F-Key to access the Functions Keys).  Using up/down arrow keys, select "Safe Mode" and then hit the "Enter" key.

Does it successfully boot into "Safe Mode"?

I was thinking about just trying to restart windows, but it won't interrupt the boot-up sequence when I restart the computer, so I cannot get the Windows CD to try and repair it or anything.

4.  Double-Click.  Can you double-click now (within Safe Mode) to open a folder?  Are you doing this from within "Windows Explorer"?

Basically double clicks don't work anymore, so we cannot open folders that way.  Obviously they open with the right click, but then when they are opened the back button does not work to go back to My Documents like it should do.  Also after a while the system can freeze for a bit, so i'm wondering if it's just running so slow it doesn't notice double clicks?  (I checked on control panel...hardware...mouse about the double click speed and the folder opens).

[patio]

Try a new mouse...preferably one that's not cordless for now...

[dahlarbear]

Hmmm... A cordless mouse...  I totally missed that!   

My partner went onto the internet (IE9) and it froze and afterwards the mouse started acting funny, or so she thought, and she replaced the batteries and stuff but was still strange.

[Salmon Trout]

If you have a "wireless desk set", don't have a switched on cellphone near either mouse, keyboard or the wireless receiver or you may get erratic results.