Task manager stops suddenly

[Tim]

Taskmanager, msconfig and registry editor programs all
start up, but disapear from the screen completely after
about 2 seconds. Running regedit and msconfig from the
run command line. I also am unable to do system
restore. I have stored restore points that XP tries to
restore to, but it fails every time.

Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

sounds like a leftover problem from a virus, you need to
re-install all of them. Do a repair install.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

There is no need to do a repair install. And its not a leftover. It is the
virus.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

See www.dougknox.com, Win XP Utilities, Create Emergency Copies of Critical
XP System Utilities. This small VB Program will create backup, usable
copies of Task Manger, Regedit and MSConfig (named Taskmgr1.exe, Regedit.com
and MSConfig1.exe) in a new folder C:\EmergencyUtil. Many virus programs
will intercept these programs, based on their original file name. The
modified file names, allow them to be run. Open Windows Explorer to
C:\EmergencyUtil and double click the application you need. The next
revision will allow you to browse for the folder you want to place the
backups in.

Additionally, see the Win XP Utilities section for Startup Programs Tracker.
This small utility scans your system for startup programs and running
processes. It also allows you to create a log file that can be copied and
pasted into a newsgroup post. The contents of the program window are also
copied to the Windows Clipboard, automatically. For replies to newsgroup
posts, do NOT include the Running Services, unless its absolutely necessary.

 

[th]

I used the utility you mentioned. The programs work when run from the
EmergencyUtil folder proving the original files are not currupt. I still am
unable to run system restore sucessfully. I ran a complete scan of my
computer with completely upgraded 2003 Norton AV. No virus found.

What would you suggest next?

 

[Tim]

For everyones benefit I found the problem. The computer was infected with a
variant of the W32.Spybot virus which disables your antivirus. NAV2003
could not find it. I switched to Mcafee and found the problem right away.
So much for NAV.... and I'm not sure why.

Thanks to everyone for your help & suggestions! Doug, your utilities are
awesome!!

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You're welcome, Tim and thanks Its too bad that we usually wind up
having users delete these infected files, as one of the first steps. They
really should be submitted to Symantec for evaluation.