Can't update, missing programs, empty files

[um_metoopleez]

I am not sure what my friend did to his computer. He has windows xp and all
of a sudden most of his icons are gone from his desktop, most programs and
files removed from start menu, the programs and files that are still there
either won't open or are empty. For example, the games folder was empty, I am
not sure what I did but now a few internet games are listed but nothing that
should have already been on there. Nothing like office or works is on there.
Nor is Windows Media Player, however the player shows up when you go to my
computer. I can open it from there but can not actually use it. When I try to
put a shortcut to my computer on the desktop, it will not allow me to.
Depending on what I am looking up in the help and support it sometimes has a
XOX at the end of paragraphs. If there is suppose to be a graphic it shows
and X with a brief description of what the graphic is. Sometimes it will tell
me the page is unavailable and even though I have made sure automatic updates
is turned on I can not install any updates. Again it tells me the page is
unavailabe. I am sorry this is so long but I am still not sure I gave enough
information. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
=====================
Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport

For home users, no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in
the United States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft
subsidiary. There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with
security updates.

 

[Randem]

Read this http://www.randem.com/virusproblems.html
Maybe it will help.

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
http://www.randem.com/installerproblems.html
http://www.randem.com/vistainstalls.html
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