Windows components close immediately atfter opening

[Guest]

I am running XP Home with SP2. Recently I have experienced a problem that
windows components flash briefing on the screen and then close. Task
manager, defragmenter and device manager are effected and I suspect there are
other. I have been using SP2 since Novmeber and this problem is 2-3 weeks
old.

I have run both a spyware and virsus scan and the problem deosn't seem to be
there.
Thinking that some XP files are corrupt I did an upgrade install of XP Home
w/SP2 but the same problem still exists. My next step would be to do a
complete reinstall of XP but want to see if there is something else I can try
first.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Bill,

Despite your AV software, you have a virus - possibly Klez or Yaha. Many
disable the system tools, and also block themselves from detection once
unleashed on the system. While you clean up, you can use the emergency tools
described here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_emerutils.htm

Your cleanup is best done from Safe mode with a fully updated AV program. In
addition to the one you have, these free ones can help:

http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/8/lng/us/tpl/v5/nid/3001#3001
http://www.f-secure.com/download-purchase/tools.shtml

Also, you may use this free on-line scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Symantec also distributes many free removal tools that are virus-specific:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Rick,
I have run both McAfee and AVG in safe mode and I still have the same
problem. AVG identified two Java related viruses; McAfee identified none.
I can run the XP tools while I am in safe mode which I didn't mention in my
first post. There are not any other obvious signs of an infections other
than the tools won't run. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill