There is something seriously wrong with my computer. I’m not sure why it’s happening, but it seems to have started after I quarantined a bunch of spyware on Ad-Aware.
First, my internet stopped working. Then, more things started happening. I can’t run some programs (including Norton’s), files freeze up, when I Ctrl-Alt-Delete it dissapears, when I try to go to MSconfig it disapears, I can’t delete or drag files into the recycling bin, it takes forever to load XP.
When I go into safe mode it is very similar. I can load msconfig but all the other problems remain.
It sounds like a virus, but I don’t know what to do. My virus protection doesn’t run. I also don’t know how I could’ve gotten a virus (I’m usually careful about that stuff).
I can go in but I’m limited to what I can do. Does anyone have any advice? Re-formatting is only a last resort.
If you think it’s the quarantine I think you can “un-quarantine” the removed files and have Adware restore them (unless you’ve deleted them permanently).
It sounds like a busted dll or related binary or possibly a virus. To do a virus check in your scenario access an PC with XP where virus protection is installed and active and (after powering down) plug in your drive as a slave (you may have to change jumpering on your drive) . Re-start the system and let the “good” system do a virus and drive integrity check on your drive.
Unless something obvious pops up as the cause I would encourage you to save your important data ASAP. I think the chances are pretty high you will have to format and re-install to solve the problem.
If Norton has been trashed it’s probably a virus like Klez, which disables Norton. Here is a free virus scanner from Mcafee that will tell you what you have. Then download the appropriate virus removal tool from Symantec, and follow the directions.
I remember reading (but I don’t remember where, sorry) that there is a piece of spyware out there that will install itself into your TCP stack so if adaware ripped out part of that spyware that could be why you can get on the net.
I’m with Astro. Back up anything important because it looks like you might have to wipe and reinstall
Have you tried going back using a previous Restore Point? I love that feature of XP. If you don’t know how, it’s simple: go to Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Then just follow the prompts; it’s basically self-explanatory from there.
One of the earlier builds of Ad-Aware had this problem with a certain bit of spyware; it was removed improperly and kept you from getting onto the Internet. You have to make sure you have “Build 162” or above of Ad-Aware (the build number is on the lower right corner of the screen).
You can fix your winsock stack with one of these: http://members.shaw.ca/installations/ Extract Winsockfix onto two disks, then run the disks. It solved a problem like this for us.