Startup Blank Diaglog Box

[Guest]

When Windows is starting up I get a mostly blank dialog box with an OK button
at the bottom after the Windows splash screen disappears, on top of the
Windows is starting up screen.

The dialog box that contains a small piece of unrecognizable text in the top
left corner that changes each time I start computer. Most of the icons on
the desktop have changed to the generic I don't know what you are icon and no
applications will run including Internet Explorer except the virus program .
I get an error message that Windows needs to know what application created
that file. (This includes cmd.exe)

The dialog box cannot be closed with the ( X ) in the corner and will only
continue to start windows after sitting for about 10 minutes or clicking the
OK button.

I don't believe it's a virus as the virus program does load and did do a
complete scan without finding a virus.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sharon F]

When Windows is starting up I get a mostly blank dialog box with an OK button
at the bottom after the Windows splash screen disappears, on top of the
Windows is starting up screen.

The dialog box that contains a small piece of unrecognizable text in the top
left corner that changes each time I start computer. Most of the icons on
the desktop have changed to the generic I don't know what you are icon and no
applications will run including Internet Explorer except the virus program .
I get an error message that Windows needs to know what application created
that file. (This includes cmd.exe)

The dialog box cannot be closed with the ( X ) in the corner and will only
continue to start windows after sitting for about 10 minutes or clicking the
OK button.

I don't believe it's a virus as the virus program does load and did do a
complete scan without finding a virus.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

This is not normal behavior. It could still be a virus - one not detected
by your antivirus program. For best protection, keep antivirus program
current with virus definitions. It could also be caused by some other
malware such as spyware or a trojan of some kind. I would be very nervous
clicking OK in a box with unreadable text, aren't you?

You've also lost some known file types and the ability to run some .EXE
files -both common danger signs. Although it could just be caused by a
registry errors, it is usually a virus or virus removal that alters these.

MVP Doug Knox has a page of fixes for default file associations:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Also suggest, updating antivirus. Restart in Safe Mode and scan the system
there. Wouldn't hurt to scan with an anti-spyware program or two (also with
current updates) in Safe Mode as well.