XP Boot Problems

[bmd2k3]

Having boot problems an suspect a virus. When I load XP I don't get a start button and can't run any programs.

Any virus checking apps that can be run from a bootable floppy available these days ?

 

[bcastner]

Will Task Manager (Control-Alt-Delete) still work?

If so, see if there is an odd process running. If explorer.exe is running, kill the process. Then File, New Task, explorer.exe.

You should see the task bar and start button at this point.

Get to the Internet and run at least two (Trend Housecall and Panda recommended) of the online antivirus scanners from smah's FAQ: faq760-3862

In addition, download, install, update, and run:

SpyBot 1.2
AdAware
Hijack This!

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/#removal

 

[bmd2k3]

I can kill explorer.exe and restart it and I still don't get task bar / start button et al.


-Brian

 

[bmd2k3]

I can get to control panel but the network connection doesn't show up. When I try to create a new one the system hangs.

Are there any antivirus apps I can run from CD or floppy -- after doing a clean boot ?


-Brian

 

[bcastner]

From the New Task feature of Task Manager:

COPY %WINDIR%\REGEDIT.EXE %WINDIR%\REGEDIT.COM
COPY %WINDIR%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSCONFIG.EXE
%WINDIR%\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\MSCONFIG1.EXE

Then you can use the new file names to get into these utilities to use them to help your troubleshooting.

Use the new Task feature to run msconfig1.exe and remove by unchecking all the startup entries.

Reboot

 

[bcastner]

By the way, have you tried booting into Safe Mode, and using System Restore?

 

[bmd2k3]

Haven't tried a system restore. I can get into MSConfig and Regedit.


Bootups and shutdowns seems to take forever, shutdowns in particular.


-Brian

 

[Dingusm]

I know Norton Anti-Virus will let you do a scan from the CD. I'll bet the others will too. Start system with disk in CD drive. (Enable CD boot in bios if necessary)

 

[bmd2k3]

Hmmm. Problem is I only have the version purchased with the machine and enabled by going to the web site. I don't have the CD's.

Wonder if I can create a bootable CD with NAV on it ?

 

[bcastner]

You obviously have a second, working machine. Pull the primary hard disk from the problem machine and install temporarily as a slave.

Then run online virus tests on both drives.

Bill

 

[SYAR2003]

Norton don't manage to make boot floppys for dos scan .
It only makes this on win 9X systems .

You can use free download grisoft AVG7 and make boot floppys from this .

 

[bmd2k3]

Ran the grisoft AVG7 Antivirus app and it didn't find anything.

How does one go about doing a system restore ?


-Brian

 

[bmd2k3]

Got it.
Keeping fingers crossed.

-Brian

 

[bmd2k3]

System restore didn't work either. Not many option left...getting close to reformat / reload.

 

[bcastner]

See: thread779-613953

If still no joy, clean install.