Issue: Windows Media Player or other programs keep popping up randomly

Affects: Windows desktops and servers

Solution Process: Sometimes users may notice that programs are opening seemingly on their own without prompt. This can be frustrating if the programs are popping up on screen and distracting the user from what they are doing. Oddly enough, it may be as simple as disabling the functionality of the extra keys on the keyboard. For example, some keyboards come pre-loaded with keys that will trigger certain windows programs or events. By using the software that came with the keyboard you should be able to disable these keys.

One example of this was a Logitech keyboard that had a touch sensitive key near the letter “Q”. A user was accidentally brushing past this key while typing and Windows Media Player was popping up; even without pressing the key. Using the Logitech software, I disabled the key and the issue stopped happening.

If the keyboard is not the issue then check to see if other programs are triggering the event. It could be that programs are tied to each other and causing each other to open.

Date of last update: 4-7-10

Author: Keller Medlin