Desktop properties and theme problem

[Guest]

Yesterday my computer was infected with a virus. I have cleared the virus I
believe and ran spyware to clear the computer. However when my computer
starts up the destop background begins normal but them turns completly white.
When I try to update the desktop by right clicking and selecting destop it
will not allow me select any options or browse. It is like it is protected.
I have also tried to change the theme but it will not keep the update
although it appears to do so when I click apply. It always comes back to a
theme called modified theme.

I did delete some files based on prompts as I attempted to clear the virus.
Any suggestions on how to unlock the destop box under propoerties. Do I
still have a virus problem?

 

[Malke]

Yesterday my computer was infected with a virus. I have cleared the
virus I
believe and ran spyware to clear the computer. However when my
computer starts up the destop background begins normal but them turns
completly white.
When I try to update the desktop by right clicking and selecting
destop it
will not allow me select any options or browse. It is like it is
protected. I have also tried to change the theme but it will not keep
the update
although it appears to do so when I click apply. It always comes back
to a theme called modified theme.

I did delete some files based on prompts as I attempted to clear the
virus.
Any suggestions on how to unlock the destop box under propoerties. Do
I still have a virus problem?

Only you can determine if you still have a virus by doing a thorough
scan in Safe Mode with a current version (not earlier than 2004)
full-featured antivirus with an active subscription and updated
definitions. Antispyware programs will not take care of viruses.

Go to the Display applet in Control Panel and look on the Desktop tab.
Click on Customize Desktop, and then click on the Web tab. You will see
that there are checkmarks next to "My Current Home Page" and probably
"Lock Desktop Items". Uncheck these. Click Apply and OK out when you've
made your changes.

If you can't enable desktop backgrounds after a virus, MVP Kelly Theriot
has a fix. Look under Wallpaper-Desktop-Disable Changing here:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_w.htm

If Display tabs are missing, run Kelly's registry edit on line 285,
right-hand side "Restore all display tabs".

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks! I have run McAfee (up to date) system scan but not in safe mode. I
will re-run. I tried the other suggestions. The web selections are all
unchecked. I tried to run the Kelly routine which did reset the background.
However, I still could not select from the list in the desktop section of the
propoerties. When I tried to change the color it appeared to do that within
the theme but my background changed again to a total white.

I am going to do another scan in safe mode and retry your suggestions.

Thanks again!

Dave

 

[Guest]

I could have deleted some files required to support this capability. Is
there an easy way to run a diagnostic of what files should be in place,
identify any default files missing and restore?

 

[Malke]

I could have deleted some files required to support this capability.
Is there an easy way to run a diagnostic of what files should be in
place, identify any default files missing and restore?

After you have done your antivirus scan in Safe Mode, also scan for
non-viral malware in Safe Mode. Here are general removal steps:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Once you are 100% sure the computer is clean, you can use the System
File Checker.

Start>Run>sfc /scannow [enter]

You may need your XP cd so have it handy.

Malke

 

[Plato]

Yesterday my computer was infected with a virus. I have cleared the virus I
believe and ran spyware to clear the computer. However when my computer
starts up the destop background begins normal but them turns completly white.

Even when you remove a virus. You often cant fix the damage it has done.
That's why, the best way to work your pc in the future is to NOT
download and then install the virus in the first place. Practice safe
computing in the future for best results.

It's your choice. Dont install viruses for best results.

 

[Guest]

Thank you again for your help. I have run current McAfee antivirus and
adware while in safe mode with both responding clean. I have also searcherd
for malware with a clean response as well. I ran the sfc /scannow with my XP
disk which completed normally.

Things appear to be back to normal with the following exception. I still
can't browse or select anything on the desktop properties. In addition when
I boot up everthing appears normal, the correct background appears, my icons
appear, then just as my blackberry and McAfee startup dialouge appears the
background changes to white. I have looked in my startup programs to see if
anything is there but can't see anything abnormal. I am still not trusting
of my PC and can't correct the background issue. Any other ideas or would
you recommend a reinstall?

Thanks again, you have been very helpful!

I could have deleted some files required to support this capability.
Is there an easy way to run a diagnostic of what files should be in
place, identify any default files missing and restore?

After you have done your antivirus scan in Safe Mode, also scan for
non-viral malware in Safe Mode. Here are general removal steps:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Once you are 100% sure the computer is clean, you can use the System
File Checker.

Start>Run>sfc /scannow [enter]

You may need your XP cd so have it handy.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

 

[Malke]

Thank you again for your help. I have run current McAfee antivirus
and
adware while in safe mode with both responding clean. I have also
searcherd
for malware with a clean response as well. I ran the sfc /scannow
with my XP disk which completed normally.

Things appear to be back to normal with the following exception. I
still
can't browse or select anything on the desktop properties. In
addition when I boot up everthing appears normal, the correct
background appears, my icons appear, then just as my blackberry and
McAfee startup dialouge appears the
background changes to white. I have looked in my startup programs to
see if
anything is there but can't see anything abnormal. I am still not
trusting
of my PC and can't correct the background issue. Any other ideas or
would you recommend a reinstall?

Try updating your video card drivers. Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor

Malke