Serious computer help

[SgtSpiderMan]

So I've recentley run into a spot of trouble. Here's my dilemma.
When my computer comes up I have no icons or tool bar. Pushing the Windows button does nothing. I can back door my way into some programs using Cntrl/Alt/Del and going through there. I have tried safe mode & re-installing Windows to no avail. I think if I can get to my recycle bin to empty out the maliscous programs I'll be good, or if I can get into task manager.
If anyone knows what I downloaded or has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[biglboy]

Try checking the task manager (ctrl-alt-del) and see if explorer.exe is running. If it is, end it and then restart it from the task manager again (File/New Task/explorer). See if that jump starts anything.

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

Try checking the task manager (ctrl-alt-del) and see if explorer.exe is running. If it is, end it and then restart it from the task manager again (File/New Task/explorer). See if that jump starts anything.

It's not running. I'm using Firefox. I can get on the internet but I have no icons so everything requires 9 steps instead of just 1.

 

[biglboy]

If Explorer is not running when you get into the task manager, you can probably get it started through the task manager (File/New Task/ then type explorer and hit enter). This could be a one time thing, or it could be caused by spyware or a virus. If you can get explorer to startup from the task manager, I would run a couple scans and see what you come up with.

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

If Explorer is not running when you get into the task manager, you can probably get it started through the task manager (File/New Task/ then type explorer and hit enter). This could be a one time thing, or it could be caused by spyware or a virus. If you can get explorer to startup from the task manager, I would run a couple scans and see what you come up with.

Can I run these scans on Firefox? If I get Explorer up how do I do the scan?

 

[biglboy]

Running the scan is pretty easy. There's a decent free antivirus program called AVG located at http://free.grisoft.com/

Two common antispyware programs are Spybot and Adaware. The first is located at http://spybot.com and the second is located at http://www.lavasoft.com/

These programs should take care of a majority of malware that might be causing the oddities that are happening (assuming that malware was the cause in the first place).

I would also recommend emptying the cookies from Firefox as these can contain some harmful elements at times. This can be done by going to Tool/Options/Privacy/Show Cookies/Remove all cookies.

Let us know what happens and if you are able to jumpstart explorer via the task manager.

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

Running the scan is pretty easy. There's a decent free antivirus program called AVG located at http://free.grisoft.com/

Two common antispyware programs are Spybot and Adaware. The first is located at http://spybot.com and the second is located at http://www.lavasoft.com/

These programs should take care of a majority of malware that might be causing the oddities that are happening (assuming that malware was the cause in the first place).

I would also recommend emptying the cookies from Firefox as these can contain some harmful elements at times. This can be done by going to Tool/Options/Privacy/Show Cookies/Remove all cookies.

Let us know what happens and if you are able to jumpstart explorer via the task manager.

I tried running Spyware but I think the maliscious program prevents it from running. Whatever I've got is a pain in the tail. When I get home I'll try those links through Firefox. If I could just get to my recycle bin....

 

[luvtofly]

maybe?

Maybe this information may be worth a try to get to the recycle bin?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810869

If that isn't helpful try the following:

When you get windows booted up do a control+alt+delete (three finger salute to bill gates...) anyways, from there click on file, then click on new task and enter the following into the textbox:

C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe (where C is the main drive of your operating system)

Click ok.

This should open up the windows explorer program, and in the left hand pane you might be able to get to your recycle bin.

Good luck with the fight against viruses and whatever else is on there

Hope this helps!

 

[Weird Harold]

When my computer comes up I have no icons or tool bar. Pushing the Windows button does nothing. I can back door my way into some programs using Cntrl/Alt/Del and going through there. I have tried safe mode & re-installing Windows to no avail.

It sounds to me like you're running an active desktop that has been switched to "View as a Webpage." There is an option somewhere for that combination of settings to "hide icons when viewed as a webpage" -- I don' recall where it is in Win 98SE and it's probably somewhere else in later versions and I don't use an active desktop so it's not something I worry about.

 

[SgtSpiderMan]

Maybe this information may be worth a try to get to the recycle bin?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810869

If that isn't helpful try the following:

When you get windows booted up do a control+alt+delete (three finger salute to bill gates...) anyways, from there click on file, then click on new task and enter the following into the textbox:

C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe (where C is the main drive of your operating system)

Click ok.

This should open up the windows explorer program, and in the left hand pane you might be able to get to your recycle bin.

Good luck with the fight against viruses and whatever else is on there

Hope this helps!

My Explorer is located in my Program Files. I can open Explorer and get on the net (obviously) but I can't seem to access that left hand side margin that gives you other options.
I've run some virus programs but no luck yet. I haven't given up. Hell, if anything this has given me a project for the weekend & hopefully will save me from buying a new PC. I'm learning a lot.

 

[wally2450]

You might try this if you think you have been infected:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

 

[Wetdl]

Explorer

The "explorer" he refers to is a separate program from "Internet Explorer", it explores your computer. It's similar to clicking on My Computer. It will show you the contents of you computer and drives, also you will see an entry on the left for Recycle Bin. You may find your missing icons there.

Did this happen after installing aprogram or running a clean up wizard of some type?
What version of windows are you running?
AVG Free and Spybot are both highly recommended for continuous use.
Both free and very good. Spybot can even prevent infection from spyware.