Internet Explorer, Visual C++ Runtime Error

[Nathan]

So i was given this computer to fix.
Dell PC, WinXP Home.
The origional complaint was a simple Adware problem, and possible virus
infection. Simple right?

I removed a whole pile of adware/spyware using first Spybot Search and
Destroy, and later once i realized that it may have missed some,
Ad-Aware 6. I noticed a Blaster, and Klez.H infection, Blaster was
taken care of when i updated windows, and I grabbed Symantec's Klez
cleaner for the Klez problem.

So once this is all done i use the computer for a bit and decide that
its done, i'm about to shut it down to take it back to the owner when i
think to myself, "Maybe i should check out the other users". They have
4 users, one is an administrator, and the other 3 are power users. I
had done all of my work as the administrator. So i login as one of the
other users, everything looks great, until i opened IE. As soon as i
tried to open IE i was presented with an odd runtime error. The title
bar reads "Microsoft Visual C++" (i dont have it in front of me, this
may not be exact, i know its Visual C++ though). The error reads
something similar to "Runtime error!" and then "The application
requested the runtime to terminate it in an odd way" (again, not exact,
ill check it tonight while im at the computer and post the exact
wording). And of course IE is un-useable. It doesnt even open, it just
returns this error and drops back to the desktop.

I attempted to check the task manager to make sure nothing was running
that may be interfering, but crtl-alt-del doesnt work! I hadnt noticed
it before, but it also doesnt work as the administrator, it does nothing.

I also tried to run a system restore back to a previous date. There are
no restore points other than the one that windowsupdate set just before
i installed any updates (and one for each update after the first one).
However, it wont restore to that, or any other point thereafter.

The only solution i've been able to find is something related to
"CommonName" which of course is adware. However following their removal
instructions just leads to a lot of dead ends.

I am about at my last straw, the next step (other than any responces i
may get here) is to format and throw a clean copy of XP back on from the
owner's restore cd's. Which i'd rather not do. I've always concidered
having to resort to formatting is like failing to fix the problem, and
just throwing it out the window instead.

Thanks for any replies!

 

[Daniel Carwile]

I am like you, as to fixing the problem but when a pc has so many
problems sometimes it's best to bite the bullet and format and reinstall. I
worked at Ericsson in Desktop support for a couple of years and finally
convinced myself 3 hrs of reinstalling beat 3 days of hair pulling. The
adware and spyware is becoming a major problem. You can never be sure you
got it all. I am behind a firewall and have Sygate firewall on all my home
pc's and still have problems occasionally. Norton AV 2004 does check for
and fixes some adware and spyware now. I just upgraded to it.

 

[Nathan]

I personally just run a NON-MS web browser, and watch what i download.
I havent run into many problems.

I work for an ISP, in tech support, so i talk to people alllllllll day
with internet related problems. 90% of them have adware, and dont even
know about it.

I'd still hate to have to format.

 

[Nathan]

Here's a neat one for you.. why is it that if i grant one of the non
working user's admin privelages..... IE works again?