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I can only run programs through Task Manager...
Background:
PC (running XP) infected with spyware 3 days ago, and when I boot up now, cannot see start button or taskbar. No icons on desktop, just background. Can't left or right click on background. Can only run programs through Task Manager. Can't run Windows Explorer, or Internet Explorer (only managed to get to this site through Real Player browser)Steps taken so far:
Downloaded and ran various anti-spyware/AV packages including:Microsoft Beta AntiSpyware kit
Spyware Doctor (ends with message: error in dll.Scan_Start: External exception C0000006)
Spybot - Search and Destroy
Panda Titanium AV software
Various fixes from Kelly's Korner
Hijack This
CWSAll seem to find various nasty things and sort them out, but still haven't fixed the taskbar/start button problem.
Haven't manually fiddled with registry files as yet (as don't know what to do).
Can anyone help?
dk3, Go to the link below and scroll down to line 195 (right column)and download the "Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar" .vbs file. Save it to your hard drive (you may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double
click the vbs file. You will be prompted when the script is done."NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry".
Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar Fix
If that doesn't work try the line 117 (left column) " Restore Taskbar and Start Menu" .reg file. Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.
Tufenuf
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dk3, Have you tried doing a System Restore in SAFE MODE to the closest date prior to when these problems began?
Tufenuf
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Tufenuf, just tried that, but no valid restore points before problems started. Seems to have got rid of restore points since the problems started. Thanks anyway
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dk3, Open Task Manager (Alt/Ctrl/Del). click on File/New Task(Run...), type in "explorer.exe" (without the quotes), then click OK. It should bring back your Taskbar & Desktop icons but it may not hold after a restart.
Tufenuf
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Tufenuf, tried that before, but still no good, even though I can see the .exe file in the directory when I do a browse. I created a log file with Hijack This, but doesn't mean much to me
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dk3, The best advice I can give you is to go to the link below, read the HijackThis log rules then sign up (it's Free) and post your problem along with what you've tried so far and a copy of your HijackThis log. I don't like sending people to other forums but they don't like these logs posted on these forums here. There are a couple of real experts (especially crunchie) there but be patient as they may be in another time zone.
Keep us posted how you're making out.
Tufenuf
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Am having the same problem with 98 and xp machine. The taskbar shows but run and search are no longer there. Have run spyware and virus program with no luck. This is strange since these two computers are not in the same household. If anyone hears of any fixes for this please let me know. I have several people looking into this. It can't just be the two of us.
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