Explorer / cmd hangs when accessing System32 folder

[andydowson]

Hi,

I was having issues with viruses so ran the Windows Update tool to
download the latest set of security upgrades (I'm running XP Home SP2).
Followed all the instructions and rebooted when asked.

When I ran Nortons virus checker to confirm that my laptop was virus
free it hung when scanning the Windows\System32 folder. After some
investigation, explorer also hangs when I try and access that folder.
Running a dos DIR from the cmd box also hangs when trying to list the
contents of the Windows\System32 folder.

The main symptom is that the cpu goes to 100% usage and then i have to
kill the app / cmd using the task manager.

Any clues on why this has started happening gratefully received.

Andy

 

[thecreator]

Hi Andy,

You can waste time trying to fix the operating system after being
infected with a virus. Or you can bite the bullet and back up all the Data
files you want including, Favorites, Address Book, E-mails, My Documents
folders. Then reformat and reinstall Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2.

The choice is yours to make, but it is a lot quicker to fix the problem.
Just get all your drivers that you may need together, before proceeding.