Virus? Taskbar/icons do not show up

[Jordan]

I believe I may have a virus on my computer that is interfering with normal
functions. My taskbar and desktop icons appear and disappear. A system
restore did not work and I removed any suspicious items Webroot Spysweep, but
I still can only run things by bringing up the Task Manager. Does anyone know
what else I can do to try to fix the problem? Or even know what the problem
is? Occasionally when I run the Desktop from the Task Manager, it gives me an
error about not being able to find a certain file...I can't get it to come up
now, but it was something about idlist. Thanks for any help.

 

[Mick Murphy]

If you think you have virus and/or spyware install and run Programs listed
below.
Read carefully how to remove Problems.
And, only have 1(one) Anti-virus installed and running at any one time!

 

[Malke]

I believe I may have a virus on my computer that is interfering with
normal functions. My taskbar and desktop icons appear and disappear. A
system restore did not work and I removed any suspicious items Webroot
Spysweep, but I still can only run things by bringing up the Task Manager.
Does anyone know what else I can do to try to fix the problem? Or even
know what the problem is? Occasionally when I run the Desktop from the
Task Manager, it gives me an error about not being able to find a certain
file...I can't get it to come up now, but it was something about idlist.
Thanks for any help.

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Include scanning with David Lipman's Multi_AV and follow instructions to do
all scans in Safe Mode. Please see the special Notes regarding using
Multi_AV in Vista.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV - instructions
http://tinyurl.com/yoeru3 - download link and more instructions

You can also check to see if there are targeted removal steps for your
malware here:
Bleeping Computer removal how-to's -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum55.html

When all else fails, get guided help. Choose one of the specialty forums
listed at the first link. Register and read its posting FAQ. DO NOT POST
LOGS IN THE MS NEWSGROUPS.

Standard disclaimer: I can't see and test your computer myself, so these are
just suggestions based on many years of being a professional computer tech;
suggestions based on what you've written. You should not take my
suggestions as a definitive diagnosis. If you can't do the work yourself
(and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea), take the
machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local equivalent
of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be aware that not all local shops
are skilled at removing malware and even if they are, your computer may be
so infested that Windows will need to be clean-installed. If possible, have
all your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.

Malke