David said:
This computer has done something that i havnt seen before.
Basically i cant load any of the programs.
Not even "add or remove programs"
Is there a file that has been deleted or would it be best to format
the hardrive and start again.
You haven't given enough information to get a specific answer. However,
the first step in troubleshooting something like this is to determine
if the computer is 100% virus-free. Scan with your antivirus using
updated definitions in Safe Mode. Make sure your av is a current
version, not earlier than 2004.
If you don't have an antivirus installed, then start with TrendMicro's
Sysclean:
TrendMicro's Sysclean is an extensive antivirus tool which has the
advantage of not needing to be installed. It requires two parts - the
scanning engine and the virus pattern files.
1. Create a new folder on your Desktop or the C: drive named something
useful like "Sysclean".
2. Go here and download the two parts of the program to that folder:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp - Sysclean
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp - virus pattern files
The pattern files will be zipped - extract them with your unzipper (like
WinZip) or if you have XP, you can just open the folder. You need to
put the extracted files in the Sysclean folder you made.
3. Restart your computer in Safe Mode. Get into Safe Mode by repeatedly
tapping the F8 key as the computer is starting up to get to the proper
menu.
4. Go to the Sysclean folder you made and double-click on sysclean.com.
Start the scan. After the scan is finished, look at the log. You may
need to make a note of where any viruses were found if they were not
able to be removed so you can manually delete them.
After you've done the work with Sysclean, get a full-featured antivirus
program, install it, update it, and do a complete scan in Safe Mode.
If you are unable to run any *.exe files at all, then first try applying
Doug Knox's fix for *.exe files from:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
If that doesn't work, the next step will depend on your skill level.
Based on your post (and I do not say this to hurt your feelings), I
would suggest that you take the machine to a good local professional
(not a BestBuy or CompUSA type of store) for repair.
Malke
