Help needed with windows xp desktop/mouse pointer issue

[d_w31]

Hi, I am currently having a really strange problem with my windows xp home edition operating system.

Right now, the problem is when I click ANYWHERE on the desktop area, the system plays a sound (the same sound as the one that plays when selecting an "unselectable" option, such as trying to close a dialogue where the only thing you can do is click the ok button) and nothing else happens. All the computer does is play that single "pop" sound, and nothing else appears. It doesn't matter whether I single click or double click on the desktop, all it does is playing that single "pop" sound. However, when I click the Start Menu and everything in it works just like normal. All the programs are still functioning except for the annoying problem of not being able to click anywhere on the desktop.

At other occasions, the problem is reversed with the Start Menu not working and the desktop works.

I have tried system restore, and the problem is still there even if I restore back to a point 3 months back when there was no above-mentioned problem at all.

Any insight into this irritating problem would be greatly appreciated. If you need any information that I missed about the problem I will post them up.

Please and thank you for the help!

[Ctrl-X]

Have you tried scanning your system for viruses/trojans/malware etcetera?

[d_w31]

I believe that my parents have been quite careless and got some virus on that comp but it was caught by AVG. SHould I do a more in-depth scan? like for spyware as well?

[Ctrl-X]

Yeah, if I were you I wouldn't trust that computer until I'd scanned it thoroughly for all kinds of malicious software...