I recently recieved a virus via Instant Messaging. Everytime I start up my computer a window comes up asking me to run this program. I don't run it but under properties it says that it can be found in the system32 folder. I look in the WINDOWS folder and nowhere in the folder is there system32. I even ran a search and didn't find it. I am searching and showing all files and folders. I downloaded an antivirus program and it killed the virus but I still can't find the system32 folder. Was the folder somehow hidden by the virus? I need access to the folder because some things I'm trying to install require me to modify some of the files in the folder. Please help! What happened to the folder? Thanks a lot.

TraCK, Follow Bratt's instructions in Reply #6 in the thread at the link below. Missing System32 Folder Fix Tufenuf

It pays to set your system to show all files/folders and extensions. That way you would have still seen it (grayed) even though the hidden attribute had been set. It also helps you learn a lot about file types and their functions - very handy for viral email attachments (spoofed double extensions) and so forth. I don't like anything being hidden - just another crackpot MS default setting. User friendly, bah humbug. DerekW

I am showing all files and folders. Also I tried to do what bratt said in command prompt but when I try to open it by typing cmd in the run window I get this message: C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.com The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction. CS:0560 IP:0102 OP:ff ff 83 3e 51 Choose "Close to terminate the application. Hmm. What do I do now? I can't even get command prompt to work.

Sorry, I was kinda jumping the gun and assuming bratt's attribute thing was the reason. Long shot but it might be worth trying in Safe Mode. DerekW

TraCK, Looks like you have virus damage. Go thru the thread at the link below. http://channel9.msdn.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=86606 Tufenuf

I'm not sure why it doesn't work when I just type cmd into the run window but I tried typing cmd.exe and it worked perfectly. I typed what Bratt said to on his post and now I can see the system32 folder. Hurrayy!! :) Thanks for all the help Tufenuf and Derek.