system restore problem

[Matt]

I recently tried to restore my computer to an earlier
setting (I set it back one week) hoping to neutralize a
virus. However, when Windows loads, it'll show the common
logo with the scrolling blue bar that always happens, but
then only a black screen will come up. The only thing
visible or controllable is the mouse pointer. I can move
it all over the screen all day, but the entire screen is
black save for it. What gives? Also, if this could be
virus related, I have no problems reformatting, but I can't
seem to boot the computer without it trying to boot
windows. F8 and the setup screen doesn't give me the
option to simply boot to access the command prompt. How
can I do this?

-Matt

 

[peter]

First you need to get rid of the virus
Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/

Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html

Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
http://www.pandasoftware.com/
(Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)

AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
http://www.grisoft.com/

McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
http://www.mcafee.com/

AntiVir (Free and up)
http://www.free-av.com/

avast! (Free and up)
http://www.avast.com/

Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
(Free Online Scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)

RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/

Most of them have automatic update capabilities. You will have to
look into the features of the one you choose. Whatever one you finally
settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily) and
perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)

Once the virus is definitly gone........set a restore point.
Then clean out all of the old restore points as the virus could still be in
there
right click yourHD ....properties......disk cleanup......more options tab at the
top
then Run the anti virus again.
if that does not work post back
peter

 

[peter]

If you have you heart set on formatting.
Enter your systems BIOS and set the CD as the first boot device
place your XP CD in the Cd tray and reboot
watch for the message...push any key to boot of CD.....push a key
XP set up will begin and you can format during the setup.
Dont forget you will need all of your other
drivers...mobo/video/sound/etc/etc....once XP is installed you will need to
install those
you will also need to redo your email settings.
there you go
peter