Yes, I had the exact same problem. I was able to solve it by repeatedly
going into the 'Organize', folder settings of the 'Desktop' folder under my
profile's directory. By hitting Reset All, Restore Default several times,
hitting apply, and rebooting a few times, I finally got back to being able to
select multiple files throughout all folders. The problem seems to be
caused by going through these settings on a random sub-folder or custom user
folder and hitting apply to all folders. The issue is with the routine that
is supposed to go through and update all other folders, I think it just wipes
out all other folders. Long story short, if you can select multiple files
on any folder on your box or network, do not make changes to the folder
settings. I hope MS sees this bug quickly and adds a patch. There is
surely something wrong.

"ejohnson_ej" wrote:

> I am having the exact same problem!
>
>
> I cannot select multiple files at all. Not with the mouse, not with the
> keyboard. Even the menu selection is grayed out.
>
> Under the Organize menu it has New Folder, Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo,
> Select All, .... Select All is grayed out.
>
>
>
> This is the final version of Vista Ultimate from MSDN. It was not an
> upgrade, I formated the drive during installation.
>
>
> Any ideas anyone?
>
>
> "m_mihai" wrote:
>
> > Hello all,
> >
> > I have recently installed Vista, upgrading an Win XP Professional
> > installation.
> >
> > I have a big problem. "Select All" in a folder doesn't work; CTRL-A doesn't
> > work; I cannot select multiple files using CTRL or SHIFT with the mouse.
> >
> > Please, do you have any ideas of what may be wrong? I have searched these
> > newsgroups, I have not find any similar issues.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > /m.