I can't type in IE6 or Outlook Express

[Guest]

When I start a new message in Outlook Express, I can fill in the To and
Subject boxes but can't type anything in the main message area - I don't even
get a cursor. In IE6, I can type in an Address but if the web page needs me
to type something in, I can't - again no cursor. I'm raising this question
from work as I can't do it from home!
I think the PC was left on unattended for a day or so and my anti-virus
software (Norton) is about 6 weeks out of date (slap on the wrist). Could I
have picked up a virus or something? I can't upgrade Norton as I can't type
in the window!
I have tried re-installing IE6 but I am on Windows XP SP2 and it keeps
telling me I have a newer version installed already. I have uninstalled IE6
and set the registry isinstalled to 0 but still no joy.
Help!

 

[PA Bear]

If the problem is being caused by hijackware (very likely), reinstalling IE
won't help because Windows is what's infected, not the browser.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/archive/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis v1.99.1
(http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware. **Post
your log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html or http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
for expert analysis, not here.**