Virus Help

[MK]

I have the following problems with my computer which is running XP Home
version 2002.

1) Regedit does not run.

2) The Processes screen on the Task Manager is blank although it states
that there are 13 processes running.

3) This is an odd one: When I go to either McAffee.com or Symantec.com,
Internet Explorer shuts down. I can get to the Norton.com homepage, but
if I try to go further (i.e. the downloads page, etc.) then the web
browser closes. I have had no problem at any other sites.

4) Another odd one: If I do a search on Google groups using the keywords
"task manager processes virus", the web browser closes when I try to
view some of the results. I can surf for hours and not have a problem,
but as soon as I start searching for solutions to my computer's problems
I start to run into issues with the browser closing down.


What I have tried:

1) Ran a repair procedure for XP using the installation discs - no
change.

2) Created a renamed copy of Task Manager and ran it in hopes of
regaining use of the processes screen. - I got the same results, no
processes screen.

3) Downloaded Netscape Navigator in hopes of being able to get to the
Symantec web site - Netscape also closed on me.

4) Ran a spyware scan and eliminated all found spyware/adware.

5) Tried running Procees Explorer to view the running processes, but it
would not run on my computer. I haven't tried reinstalling the program
yet.

What I have not done:

1) I have not run a virus scan because I can't get to the Symantec site.
I'm not sure if this would help anyway without first closing the virus
process (if there is one) with the Task Manager.

I'm not sure if I have a virus, but I'm running out ideas on my own
short of doing a reformat and reinstallation of Windows. I would love to
avoid this.

Can anyone identify this problem as being caused by a virus? Which
virus?

Anyone have a solution?

 

[David H. Lipman]

| I have the following problems with my computer which is running XP Home
| version 2002.
|
| 1) Regedit does not run.
|
| 2) The Processes screen on the Task Manager is blank although it states
| that there are 13 processes running.
|
| 3) This is an odd one: When I go to either McAffee.com or Symantec.com,
| Internet Explorer shuts down. I can get to the Norton.com homepage, but
| if I try to go further (i.e. the downloads page, etc.) then the web
| browser closes. I have had no problem at any other sites.
|
| 4) Another odd one: If I do a search on Google groups using the keywords
| "task manager processes virus", the web browser closes when I try to
| view some of the results. I can surf for hours and not have a problem,
| but as soon as I start searching for solutions to my computer's problems
| I start to run into issues with the browser closing down.
|
|
| What I have tried:
|
| 1) Ran a repair procedure for XP using the installation discs - no
| change.
|
| 2) Created a renamed copy of Task Manager and ran it in hopes of
| regaining use of the processes screen. - I got the same results, no
| processes screen.
|
| 3) Downloaded Netscape Navigator in hopes of being able to get to the
| Symantec web site - Netscape also closed on me.
|
| 4) Ran a spyware scan and eliminated all found spyware/adware.
|
| 5) Tried running Procees Explorer to view the running processes, but it
| would not run on my computer. I haven't tried reinstalling the program
| yet.
|
| What I have not done:
|
| 1) I have not run a virus scan because I can't get to the Symantec site.
| I'm not sure if this would help anyway without first closing the virus
| process (if there is one) with the Task Manager.
|
| I'm not sure if I have a virus, but I'm running out ideas on my own
| short of doing a reformat and reinstallation of Windows. I would love to
| avoid this.
|
| Can anyone identify this problem as being caused by a virus? Which
| virus?
|
| Anyone have a solution?



1) Download the following three items...

McAfee Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Trend Sysclean Package
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp

Latest Trend signature files.
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp

Create a directory.
On drive "C:\"
(e.g., "c:\New Folder")
or the desktop
(e.g., "C:\Documents and Settings\lipman\Desktop\New Folder")

Download SYSCLEAN.COM and place it in that directory.
Download the signature files (pattern files) by obtaining the ZIP file.
For example; lpt454.zip

Extract the contents of the ZIP file and place the contents in the same directory as
SYSCLEAN.COM.

2) If you are using WinME or WinXP, disable System Restore
http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDocs/DisableSysRestore.htm
3) Reboot your PC into Safe Mode and shutdown as many applications as possible
4) Using both the Trend Sysclean utility and Stinger, perform a Full Scan of your
platform and clean/delete any infectors found
5) Restart your PC and perform a "final" Full Scan of your platform using both.
6) If you are using WinME or WinXP, Re-enable System Restore and re-apply any
System Restore preferences, (e.g. HD space to use suggested 400 ~ 600MB),
7) Reboot your PC.
8) If you are using WinME or WinXP, create a new Restore point


* * * Please report back your results * * *

 

[MK]

* * * Please report back your results * * *

Thank-you for your response! I am at work at the moment and the problem is
on my computer at home. I will try your procedures tonight and let you know
the results.

Thanks so much!

 

[MK]

1) Download the following three items...

McAfee Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Trend Sysclean Package
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp

Latest Trend signature files.
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp

Create a directory.
On drive "C:\"
(e.g., "c:\New Folder")
or the desktop
(e.g., "C:\Documents and Settings\lipman\Desktop\New Folder")

Download SYSCLEAN.COM and place it in that directory.
Download the signature files (pattern files) by obtaining the ZIP
file. For example; lpt454.zip

Extract the contents of the ZIP file and place the contents in the
same directory as SYSCLEAN.COM.

2) If you are using WinME or WinXP, disable System Restore
http://vil.nai.com/vil/SystemHelpDocs/DisableSysRestore.htm
3) Reboot your PC into Safe Mode and shutdown as many applications
as possible 4) Using both the Trend Sysclean utility and Stinger,
perform a Full Scan of your
platform and clean/delete any infectors found
5) Restart your PC and perform a "final" Full Scan of your
platform using both. 6) If you are using WinME or WinXP, Re-enable
System Restore and re-apply any
System Restore preferences, (e.g. HD space to use suggested
400 ~ 600MB),
7) Reboot your PC.
8) If you are using WinME or WinXP, create a new Restore point


* * * Please report back your results * * *

Sorry that I'm so late with the update. I downloaded all of the items
that you suggested and ran them all. Sysclean found and removed two
viruses. Stinger found no viruses. Unfortunately, none of the problems i
was having were resolved. I finally bit the bullet and did a complete
reinstall with a reformat. Everything is running fine now. Thanks again
for your help.