Can't stop scrolling!

Hello,

Hoping someone can help me with this problem on my Vista laptop that has been driving me crazy.

Basically, my computer won't stop 'scrolling down'. The effect is similar to having the 'down arrow' key on the keyboard continuously held down. If I click on an icon to select it on the desktop or a file icon in File Explorer, the selection almost instantly jumps to the last/bottom-most icon (or file) - the same action as you would get by pressing the down arrow button until it reaches the bottom-most icon/file. In lists of things, for example the 'Uninstall Programs' list in Control Panel, the same thing - when I click on any one item (in this case a program name) to select it, the selection immediately jumps to the bottom.

On certain pages e.g. the 'Help and support' pages (EDIT: on all scrollable pages, including internet browser pages, etc) the page almost instantly jumps to the bottom of the page.

In typed text files (Word, Notepad files, etc), however, the effect is like holding the 'right arrow' key down continuously - anywhere I click in the middle of a sentence, the cursor jumps to the end of the sentence and flashed quickly (like when you hold the right arrow key - it scrolls to the end of sentence and flashes quickly until you release when it goes back to the normal slower flashes).

I have also found that pressing the arrow keys sometimes seems to make this 'scrolling' behaviour stop momentarily (from a few to several seconds), but it always resumes.

It is such a bizarre problem I haven't the slightest idea on how to even approach it. I have run scans on Avast and MalwareBytes (nothing detected), checked that the arrow keys are not physically being pressed down (they're not as far as I could tell) and unplugged my USB mouse, to no avail.

So any advice would gratefully received!

Forgot to add - the boot-up of my laptop (Compaq, forgot to mention) has also been having problems (linked to the scrolling issue or not I'm not sure). On turning on the computer, the Compaq splash screen appears and stayed there for a while (normally it used to appear for only a few seconds), followed by a loud, continuous sequence of short beeps. At this point I shut down by holding down power button, and next time when starting pressed F10 key for 'SETUP' which prompted for 'Safe Mode' or turn on normally. I went with normally and Vista booted up. But the scrolling problem still remains.

I mention this boot-up issue because I think it may (?) be linked to my scrolling problem.

Thanks again for reading this and any advice!

Hi elbs,

It might be a setting in the touch-pad which might have caused the scrolling issues. Please follow the steps to ensure that the settings in touch-pad:

1. Right or left click your pointing device, bottom right hand side task bar / notification area.
2. Click Device Settings tab.
3. Click Settings
4. Select Scrolling & double click it and change the settings to check if scrolling is fine.
5. Also ensure that Sensitivity is fine.

In case if there is no pointing device then install the correct software for touch-pad and follow the above mentioned steps.

For Boot problem, try to do a clean boot to check if would work, providing the link to do a clean boot for reference: How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Also change the boot sequence and make Hard drive as first boot device.

If issue persists, run the built-in diagnostics provided by the manufacturer on the computer to check if the hardware is working fine.

Please post back with the results.

Hi Madhur,

Thanks for the reply! I followed your instructions regarding the mousepad settings - disabled 'virtual scrolling' and decreased sensitivity. The scrolling stopped, but when I restarted my computer it was back again. I also tried completely disabling the mousepad pad, but the scrolling still remains.

I also set the notebook hard drive as 1st in boot order and did a clean boot, but the problem still persists.

I ran the memory diagnostic and 'Primary Hard Disk Self Test' in BIOS Setup too - the memory check showed no issues, but the hard disk test had the result '#10008 - Replace Hard Disk'. However aside from the scrolling, I can still use my computer fairly normally, so I was a bit surprised by that result. Though I have noticed it seems to be slower and more laggy than before.

REgarding the boot-up issue, now when I turn on laptop, the COMPAQ splash screen appears (with the F1, F8, F10 options, etc), but boot-up just stops there at that screen. I check in BIOS the POST screen delay is 5 seconds so it can't be that I don't think. However, when I press <Enter> start-up resumes, the Windows loading bar appears and start-up proceeds as normal (though the scrolling problem still remains).

Thanks again for your help!

Hi elbs,

The error message is related to the hard drive and needs a replacement. If the computer is in warranty, then contact the technical support for Compaq they would be able to replace the hard drive.

Uninstall and reinstall the drivers for the touch-pad from the manufacture's website and check if it would work.

Please reply if you have any further questions.

Hi Elbs

I am also facing the same issue however mine is a Dell laptop. My laptop was recently serviced and HDD was replaced. PFB a short description of my problem

1. Boot loader starts slow followed by a continuous ringing bell which stops when windows is loaded
2. Intermittent scrolling to the last line on browsers / desktop

I suspect the problem is with my page down key or end key which is being pressed continuously. I am still investigating this issue. Kindly let me know incase you find something

Hi praf,

Scrolling issues can occur if the settings for touch pad drivers are not set properly. We can install the touch-pad drivers and change the settings for scrolling and also increase the sensitivity.

To install the driver, go to support.dell.com and select the computer model that you have also the Operating System. Download and install the touch-pad driver which would be under “Input”.

Please post back with the results.