Task Manager MIA

[Guest]

For the past two days or so, my Task Manager has refused to run at all. The
Windows Security dialog opens just fine with Ctrl + Alt + Del, but when I
select the Task Manager, my computer continues what it was doing, as if
nothing happened. The Task Manager itself never shows up and neither does the
system tray icon.

I did have this problem once, a while back. I didn't use it that much back
then, so I just tried to ignore it. After a month or two, I tried it again
and it had miraculously fixed itself. It's worked fine ever since, at least
until a couple days ago. If anyone knows how I might fix this now, please
help me, because I think there's some program running in the background
that's opening popups for me, and without the Task Manager, I can't close it.

 

[Guest]

Currently, both my primary Antivirus and Spyware programs are expired. I'm in
the process of renewing them and getting them working again, but for right
now, I couldn't try your idea. Unless there's a Windows utility I don't know
about.

 

[Guest]

have you checked your C:\windows\system32 folder to see if it contains the
taskmgr.exe? if so what happens if you double click on it?
does the task manager come up if you press CTRL-Shift-ESC
does the task manager come up if you goto start > run > type in
'taskmgr.exe' ?

check the registry settings:
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
Modify/Create the Value Data Type(s) and Value Name(s) as detailed below.
Data Type: DWORD Value // Value Name: DisableTaskMgr
Setting for Value Data: [0 = Enabled (Default) / 1 = Disabled]
Exit Registry and Reboot

and

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects.
Once you are here, delete all contents of StuckRects and restart your
computer. Once you have restarted your computer, you should be able to access
Task Manager again.

*****To be on the safe side I would export and save the key first before
deleting though. Just in case...*****

if its still not working, try the link below. this information on how to
tackle a W32.HLLW.Gaobot.BC or the W32/Rbot-MM or W32/Gaobot.worm.gen

http://forums.aspfree.com/windows-os-15/task-manager-problems-winupdates-exe-66023.html

hth...

 

[Larry Samuels]

If you are online without current AV/AS software you can bet you are
infected. Clean the machine.
Free AV software is available for home use at www.avast.com

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Guest]

taskmgr.exe exists - Yes.

attempt to open - "Another program is currently using this file." Probably
means it actually is running and I just can't see it.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Nothing

Run from dialog - same as opening it


Now, here's where the real fun begins. When attempting to run Regedit, I
receive this message:

 

[Guest]

Well, after an extensive scan with Avast, my Task Manager has returned and
the endless popups have ceased. I still get that problem with Regedit,
though, and that needs to be fixed.