My friends computer was loaded with viruses and I think most have been eliminated using AVG. The problem now is that the startup/shutdown screen displays a porno photo and I can't stop it. Further, the desktop image displays a large red warning: YOUR SYSTEM IS INFECTED SYSTEM HAS STOPPED DUE TO A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION SPYWARE ACTIVITY DETECTED ETC. ETC. i HAVE GONE INTO CONTROL PANEL AND TRIED CHANGING DESKTOP IMAGE BUT NOTHING NEW CAN BE SELECTED. pLEASE ADVISE.

Do you check for, and remove, Spyware ?? Spyware includes ---- Adware, Dialers, Browser Hijackers, Trojans, Cookies, Key Loggers, Trackware, and other Malware while browsing the internet. Most Virus and Spyware scans are likely to work better in Windows Safe-Mode. ---------------------- This page has alot of XP fixes http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_... Try line 142 on the right side. Some require the download of a VBS file. So, read at the top of that page-- "How to use a VBS file"

Thanks for the reply. I did use the AOL spyware remover and it removed three. I'll check the site you suggested plus do the scans in SafeMode. Again, thanks, I'll advise.

smit fraud

I had the same problem with a friends computer This info i got from... http://www.daniweb.com/forums/threa... ::::: deactivate the Live Web Content in you desktop Display properties/Desktop/Customize desktop/Web remove anything there. ::::: Problem: You cleaned all spyware/viruses but still cannot change background picture. Under display properties/desktop Background section is disabled. Solution: !!!DON'T FORGET TO BACKUP YOUR REGISTERY!!! Remove following registry entry from your system using Regedit. Log-off and log back in. [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System] "Wallpaper"="" You should be able to change your background now. Good luck I hope this helps The Colonel

Thanks all for suggestions/help. I got tired of messing with it and did a format and clean install. Again, thanks.