You cannot use keyboard shortcuts to select more than one item in Windows Explorer after you install certain applications on a Windows Vista-based computer

On a Windows Vista-based computer, you cannot use keyboard shortcuts to select more than one item in Windows Explorer. For example, you cannot use the CTRL+A keyboard shortcut to select all the items in a Windows Explorer window. Also, you cannot select multiple items in a Windows Explorer window by holding the SHIFT key or the CTRL key while you click the items.

This problem occurs because certain applications add a key to the registry. The key prevents you from selecting multiple items in Windows Explorer.

To resolve this issue, use the Reset Folders command. To use the Reset Folders command, follow these steps:

1. In the Windows Explorer window where this issue occurs, click Organize, and then click Folder and Search Options.
2. On the View tab, click Reset Folders.

Note You may have to repeat these steps if you experience this problem again. The applications that cause this problem may insert the key into the registry whenever they run.