Help! Device Manager blank; external hardware not recognized; no s

[JFleck]

I am running Window XP Home Edition Service Pack 2. Last week, my computer
was working fine. Then the next day I noticed that the screen looked
different: the icons on the bottom (Start and running programs) changed
colors. Instead of Start being green and programs blue, they all were grey.
I tried opeing itunes and it said that there was a problem with the sound
configuration and it would not play. I got the same message with Windows
Media Player. I tried to print something and my printer was not available
(not even listed under printers). I opened the device manager and it is
completely blank. I have an external hard drive that is available and shows
up under "my computer". It is connected with the USB port and so is my
printer; but my printer is not showing up. I found a hot fix on the
Microsoft support website that looked like it would fix my problem, but it
was for Service Pack 3. I tried downloading Service Pack 3, but it would not
let me install because it wanted me to put in my Microsoft Office
Professional disk (which I can't find). Any suggestions?

 

[Leonard Grey]

Malicious software such as viruses or spyware could be installed on your
computer.

"How to Tell if a Malfunctioning PC Has a Virus"
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1054842.html

"Cleaning a Pest-Infected Computer"
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

 

[JFleck]

I downloaded and ran the Microsoft malicious software removal program. It
found a couple of things and removed them, but the computer still had the
same symptoms. Thanks for the response.

 

[Leonard Grey]

The Malicious Software Removal Tool is limited in its scope and so is
not nearly sufficient for cleaning an infected computer. Microsoft
advises users to install proper anti-virus and anti-spyware applications.

 

[JFleck]

I have Norton antivirus software and I also ran Ad-Aware antispyware
software. All of the other applications on the computer seem to be running
faster and more efficiently now, but still no sound, recognition of external
hardware (except for external hard drive) and nothing listed on the device
manager.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Time to show your computer to a professional.