Hey all, This is an update of a previous problem I'm having, but with a new situation. Recently my computer was hit was a wave of viruses, causing my computer to freak out. Upon restarting, I can log in to windows, and then see my background image, but there is no taskbar, no icons, and no right click menu. I can access the ctrl+alt+del menu, and run programs from there. The real problem with all this is that whenever I right click->explore on a drive or folder it brings up an error saying that the drive or folder cannot be found. And yet I can still access, edit, and use all those files if I run them. I'm assuming something is up with Explorer. Any ideas? Oh, also, I really don't want to reformat, if we could pretend that the wasn't an option, that would be the best idea. If it ends up being the only option, I'll do it. I don't think this is a virus just an XP configuration option, but I can get Hijack This/Norton antivirus/Ad Aware/Spybot logs etc. if you want them. Thanks for any help! -Baazar

Would it not be easier to Restore your computer to a date before the viruses happened? That is what I do when my computer starts behaving erratically. I just go back one day and everything is fine again. Sometimes I have to go back a week. If you use the system restore right away and not let it go too long you will have a better chance of resolving the problem.

Run an A/V program to clean the machine and spybot, adaware.etc. and install spywareblaster. Then try a system repair.-How to do a system repair.--Boot from the xp cd and go past the recovery console to the install menu. Select repair the existing installation. You won't lose any data except the xp updates.You MUST install at least SP1 and all the updates for security reasons. Unless you have a slipstream sp1 cd you will have to d/l sp1 and all subsequent updates. Be sure the firewall and A/V is active before going online as you will be susceptible to sasser and msblaster. If you don't want SP2 go to autopatcher.com and d/l SP1 and subsequent updates. Please post back within 24 hours or I will delete the post from my follow up list. Thanks. It would be a courtesy if you would post back and let us know if the fix worked or not.