run command won't work

[BWag]

I just recently installed the newest XP updates and now I
can't open task manager from either the start menu "run"
or from control/alt/delete. Can't run regedit either.
Specifically, what occurs is regedit will flash on the
screen for a second, and then disappear. Same thing
happens with task manager from "run" or
control/alt/delete, with the exception that the little
cpu usage icon comes up in the task bar, but when I run
my mouse over it, it disappears.

I have just scanned for viruses and found none (with
updated virus software).

Thanks for you help,

Bill Wagner

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I just recently installed the newest XP updates and now I
can't open task manager from either the start menu "run"
or from control/alt/delete. Can't run regedit either.
Specifically, what occurs is regedit will flash on the
screen for a second, and then disappear. Same thing
happens with task manager from "run" or
control/alt/delete, with the exception that the little
cpu usage icon comes up in the task bar, but when I run
my mouse over it, it disappears.

I have just scanned for viruses and found none (with
updated virus software).

Thanks for you help,

Bill Wagner

You're describing symptoms of various virii, like Klez. Try getting the
removal tools, downloaded to another machine and run from a floppy, eitehr
via Explorer or making a shortcut.

HTH
-pk

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You do have a virus, even if your AV software isn't catching it.

See www.dougknox.com, Win XP Utilities, Create Emergency Copies of Critical
XP System Utilities. This small VB Program will create backup, usable
copies of Task Manger, Regedit and MSConfig (named Taskmgr1.exe, Regedit.com
and MSConfig1.exe) in a new folder C:\EmergencyUtil. Many virus programs
will intercept these programs, based on their original file name. The
modified file names, allow them to be run. Open Windows Explorer to
C:\EmergencyUtil and double click the application you need. The next
revision will allow you to browse for the folder you want to place the
backups in.

Additionally, see the Win XP Utilities section for Startup Programs Tracker.
This small utility scans your system for startup programs and running
processes. It also allows you to create a log file that can be copied and
pasted into a newsgroup post. The contents of the program window are also
copied to the Windows Clipboard, automatically. For replies to newsgroup
posts, do NOT include the Running Services, unless its absolutely necessary.

And update your AV definitions and scan your system again, preferably from
Safe Mode.