Windows Task Manager disappears as soon as it launches

[Guest]

When I do ctrl-alt-del and select Task Manager, it launches OK but then
disappears within about 2 seconds. Occasionally, I see the Task Manager
icon in the lower right corner of my screen, but if I try to select it, it
disappears. This has only just started happening.

I don't know if this is related, but I've also just tried to install MS
Antispyware, and the same thing happens - as soon as the install screen comes
up, it disappears and the process stops. I've checked my system for viruses
and spyware (using ZoneAlarm and SpySweeper) and it checks out clean.

 

[Guest]

Read this thread:

http://www.pcbanter.net/showthread.php?t=735423

Entering this Google search brings up plenty of links:
"task manager disappears" + xp

Eric,
PC Buyer Beware!
http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/

 

[Rock]

When I do ctrl-alt-del and select Task Manager, it launches OK but then
disappears within about 2 seconds. Occasionally, I see the Task Manager
icon in the lower right corner of my screen, but if I try to select it, it
disappears. This has only just started happening.

I don't know if this is related, but I've also just tried to install MS
Antispyware, and the same thing happens - as soon as the install screen comes
up, it disappears and the process stops. I've checked my system for viruses
and spyware (using ZoneAlarm and SpySweeper) and it checks out clean.

What happens when you try to run regedit or msconfig from start | run?
Do they run or close out too. If that latter it's most likely a virus
infection.

 

[Guest]

Rock - both regedit and msconfig don't start. If it is a virus, then it's
evaded detection by McAfee AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm, and Housecall Trendmicro.
Any idea what this virus might be and what I can do to trap it?

regards,
Guy Wilson

 

[Bob I]

Adaware SE and Spybot S&D should be tried then.

Rock - both regedit and msconfig don't start. If it is a virus, then it's
evaded detection by McAfee AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm, and Housecall Trendmicro.
Any idea what this virus might be and what I can do to trap it?

regards,
Guy Wilson

:

 

[Rock]

Rock - both regedit and msconfig don't start. If it is a virus, then it's
evaded detection by McAfee AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm, and Housecall Trendmicro.
Any idea what this virus might be and what I can do to trap it?

regards,
Guy Wilson

:

Run all scans in safe mode.

 

[Plato]

Rock - both regedit and msconfig don't start. If it is a virus, then it's
evaded detection by McAfee AntiVirus, ZoneAlarm, and Housecall Trendmicro.
Any idea what this virus might be and what I can do to trap it?

1. Many trojans/viruses can IMMEDIATELY disable your running scanner. In
fact, when you do get your system cleaned, you may even see multiple
mcafee .exes files infected.

2. ZoneAlarm is NOT a virus scanner.

 

[Sparda]

When I do ctrl-alt-del and select Task Manager, it launches OK
but then
disappears within about 2 seconds. Occasionally, I see the
Task Manager
icon in the lower right corner of my screen, but if I try to
select it, it
disappears. This has only just started happening.

I don't know if this is related, but I've also just tried to
install MS
Antispyware, and the same thing happens - as soon as the
install screen comes
up, it disappears and the process stops. I've checked my
system for viruses
and spyware (using ZoneAlarm and SpySweeper) and it checks out
clean.

That is definite malware, you should boot windows in safe mode and try
again.

 

[Sparda]

it?

1. Many trojans/viruses can IMMEDIATELY disable your running
scanner. In
fact, when you do get your system cleaned, you may even see
multiple
mcafee .exes files infected.

2. ZoneAlarm is NOT a virus scanner.

"2. ZoneAlarm is NOT a virus scanner."
ZoneAlarm isn’t just a Firewall, and can be a virus scanner.
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...sp?dc=12bms&ctry=GB&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass