this is a good one. i have a computer that has a virus. this is the symptoms, the letter "m" on the keyboard doesn't function when pressed. all other keys work just fine. the letter "m" key doesn't function properly even at the log in screen, such as typing admin (i'm sure you've noticed it needs the letter "m"). i'm able to get pass the log in screen which takes us to the next symptom, every icon on the desktop the starts with the letter "m" is highlighted as if i were "tabbing," through out the desktop (tabbing - pressing of the "Tab," key to move from one location to another). there's more when opening notepad or MS Word the letter"m" is typed on the pages but my "m" key still doesn't work. any one seen this before? I've done virus scans and no luck. it's not a hardware because i've attached an external keyboard and get the same results.

Ahh, the dastardly letter M virus, it's a doozy! You know why you get that right? I mean you know what M stands for dont you >;)
....

Seriously though, yeah i think it's your laptop keyboard, just because you plugged in an external keyboard, doesn't mean it gets disabled. Also i've been cleaning out computer viruses for years, i never seen one do that! But i have seen plenty of bad laptop keyboards, with dead and stuck keys, etc.

Don't feel bad, i once had a laptop that had 4 dead keys, the letters P, O, R, and N.

Lol. That's one of the funniest answers I have seen on this forum. Thanks Joe.
Anyway, I also agree this is not a virus, something is wrong with your keyboard..

I found this on a google search:
Just a few days ago I had to repair a laptop with kind of similar problem. The customer complained that her keyboard doesn’t work in Windows, but she still can type here password at the login screen. I started the laptop and typed the password without any problem, but as soon as laptop booted to the desktop all keyboard keys stopped working. I reloaded the operating system and it fixed the keyboard problem.

If that is the case like above, you may want to try a repair install:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...
if you have an ACTUAL Xp install disc.
You will have to redo all your critical updates after the repair.

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