Win XP can't run End Task/msconfig/regedit/sfc /scannow

[Bill Parvin]

I have Win XP Home ed. When I do CTL+ALT+DELETE the end
task screen comes on for a second the goes off. It shows
on the task bar but when I place my pointer on it it goes
away. I also discovered I can't run msconfig, regedit, or
sfc /scannow from the run line. I have scanned my
computer using SkyBot Search & Destroy & another detector
called Kaspersky. Both found some things that I deleted
or cleaned but it had no impact on my problem. I didn't
get the Win XP cd when I got my pc, only 3 system restore
discs & it says these are needed if I reformat which I
DON'T want to do if possible. I tried doing a system
restore back to a date before the problem started but the
restore didn't complete, it said "restoration incomplete"
& the problem still exist. I am pretty much a novice so
if you have a suggestion please spell it out for me step
by step. Thanks

 

[GSV Three Minds in a Can]

These symptoms point to a common virus. Do a virus scan with updated virus
definitions.

Sadly these viruses also kill off most of the well known virus scanners
... an online one like 'housecall' might be the best bet.