Windows 7 ESC key stopped working

I've got a fully patched Windows 7 Professional Desktop computer that I've been using for over 2 years.  Yesterday my ESC key stopped working, which I first noticed when using Outlook and tried to close an open email window.  I checked the keyboard
by moving it to another Windows 7 computer - works great.  I also noticed that other keyboard shortcuts that utilize the ESC key still work, like for example pressing Ctrl / ESC brings up the Start menu.  The problem is limited to functions that
operate off the ESC only - like closing an open email in Outlook or closing an open photograph on Facebook.
I downloaded a keyboard testing app that shows the key not working.  But when I install this program on another computer and move the suspect keyboard - the program shows that it does in fact work.
I suspect something is wrong at a registry level - some entry has hijacked the key mapping.  I've spent several hours on Google looking at various suggestions - all to no avail.  I've tried updating drivers as a last resort - no change.  Remember,
the ESC does work when used in a sequence involving multiple buttons.  Any suggestions?

I've encountered a similar situation regularly: my Esc key just quits working in mid session, and I always forget what the cause/fix is. 
I have this same keyboard for over 8 years now, and it always works fine, so no, it's not a hardware issue - these issues typically never are. Rebooting the PC always solves the issue, but rebooting a dev workstation, with a gazillion apps open is a PITA.
Turns out in my case it's always Photoshop CS2 that 'kills' my Escape key; as soon as I close Photoshop, the Esc key functions normally again.
Another issue I get is the Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys sometimes quit working; again, a reboot always fixes the issue, but rebooting is always a last recourse. Usually I just mash the Caps Lock/Ctrl/Shift/Alt; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and I need
to reboot...

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