Delete suddenly doesn't work anymore

[mysts]

The only way that I can delete any thing(file or folder) is to select the file for folder hold down the shift key while deleting. That works. If I try to delete inside a program like Thumbs the program disappears, the screen turns white and then goes to the desktop. So it looks like I can only delete files and folders while in explorer. Any thoughts on this?

[Tommyknocker]

Maybe a dirty or broken keyboard?

[mysts]

To Tommyknocker

The only keyboard function involved in this is the shift key. The winxp delete function simply doesn't work unless the file or folder is selected then press shift key, right click the file or folder and then it deletes ok. It deletes ok using cmd and also dos, but not windows.
Cut and paste works ok and emptying the RecycleBin works ok. Hope this helps.