Can not open any files

[Guest]

Running XP on a relatively new Sony Viao. I can access the web via MSN no
problem. Any time I try to open a file I get the hour glass and nothing
happens. I can not access MY Computer or Control Panel. I tried a restore
to several points with no success. Rebooted several times no change. Any
ideas?

 

[Kelly]

For starters:

Run Ad-Aware SE, Spybot and HijackThis:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html

Note: Update the first two programs, once installed, before running.

Free Online Virus Scan
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp


--
Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[johnf]

Back out of the fog, do a repair/reinstall with your XP CD, then reinstall
SP2 - unless anyone has a better idea.

 

[Guest]

I have up to date spyware and virus protection running. I ran full scans with
no results.

 

[Guest]

Someone always has a better idea-but it seems I'm a headed that way partner.

 

[Kelly]

Try line 157: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

--
Happy Mardi Gras,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

 

[johnf]

Geez, it's hard to diagnose & advise by remote control.
It could probably be fixed much simpler if I had your keyboard & monitor in
front of me.
At least you'll finish up with a nice clean system, but entailing a lot of
work.

 

[Guest]

FYI the issue was caused by a virus.
The computer with the issue was my sons.
He assured me he had run a virus and spyware check.
When I investigated further I found he was running old virus software.
I downloaded McAfee wich is included with his Verizon MSN Premium.
After running this up to date virus scan a number of adware programs were
found.
After eliminating them he was able to access his files.
Thanks to all for the excellent suggestions.