"My Computer" is blank

[Stefan]

I recently uninstalled Norton 360 (expired) and installed Avast. After boot
time scan, it found a few spyware items which it deleted.. but now when I
launch Windows Explorer, I can see items in My DOcuments, but nothing in My
Computer. Windows Media Player hangs upon startup. I see nothing in
Add/Remove Programs. Basically, I have the feeling that the files that Avast
removed or Norton uninstall corrupted Windows Explorer. All other software
programs work fine (browsing, photos, etc). Does anyone have any ideas how to
fix and what may have caused this?
Thanks in advance

 

[JS]

You have two options:
First use a System Restore point created before you uninstalled Norton.

If that does not work then:
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...pen&docid=2003120216280806&nsf=nav.nsf&view=0

Warning: The Norton Removal Tool uninstalls "all" Norton
2009/2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003 products installed on your PC.
If you use ACT! or WinFAX, back up those databases before you proceed.

So for example if you still have Symantec Ghost and System Works installed,
and you want to remove the last traces of Norton 360 not removed when
you uninstalled it via Add/Remove programs this tool has the unfortunate
side effect of removing any and "all" other Symantec product installed
on your PC (Ghost, System Works, Etc) also.

 

[Stefan]

I tried running System Restore, but nothing happens... I don't even get to
see an options page.. I also tried to run the norton removal tool, but it
also just shows nothing... Should I try this in Safe Mode? I'm running a full
Avast virus scan now to make sure nothing else is conflicting

 

[Stefan]

I rebooted in Safe Mode and am able to use the norton removal tool. But it
didn't fix the problem. I guess I will try to run the SYstem Restore next,
but would rather try something else if possible... any other ideas?

 

[JS]

I don't use Avast but if it has a "Quarantine" option
you may be able to restore what Avast deleted/removed
(by quarantining them) and see if you get your functionality back.

 

[Stefan]

Well... quarantine is empty, as it looks like it permanently deleted the file
at boot-time scan... and system restore didn't work.. I went back to a few
restore points and they each come up with an empty desktop after reboot...
after rebooting again, I get back to what I had originally.

Anyone has ideas? Registry Scan? Reinstall WinXP?

 

[JS]

Before you reinstall XP try Kelly's Koner,
there are hundreds of fixes listed. Scan through
the list and see if you find something that might
correct each of your problems.

 

[Stefan]

I finally solved the problem. I rebooted in Safe Mode, ran my antivirus which
started with a memory scan. I had Rootkit malware in memory.. So rebooted and
did a boot-time scan. Found 7 infected files. Rebooted after that and all was
back to normal.
System Restore didn't work previously because the malware was in some of the
restore files.
So if anyone has this happen to them, it's worth trying to scan with
antivirus in Safe Mode. Antivirus in regular mode did not work, because the
viruses were keeping the memory scan from completing. I used Avast 4.8 for
the scan and it worked quite well

 

[JS]

Thanks for the update.
Glad you fixed it.