Can't install software

[cparks73]

I am working on a Windows XP PC that seems to be overrun with spyware. Downloaded AdAware but it won't install. When I double-click on executable, hourglass flashes and thats it. When PC is rebooted executable is gone. This happens for other .exe's also. Tried installing in Normal mode and as Admin in Safe Mode, with same result. Tried manually cleaning up spyware by Add/Remove and stopping process from starting at boot. Ran SFC to see if there were any corrupt system files but that didn't help.
Trying to determine if this is a result of spyware, virus or corrupt windows. Anyone have this problem or know how to fix it?

 

[bcastner]

Download, unzip and double-click the .reg file:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/fileassoc/xp_exe_fix.zip

Also download and run this to make workable copies of Task Manager, Regedit and MSCONFIG:

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_emerutils.htm

If you can run IE, do the Trend Micro and Panda online AV scans:

http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Scanners.htm

 

[linney]

If the above doesn't fix the problem here are some other suggestions.

Can you connect the drive to another machine and work on it from there?

Or something like this.

266465 - HOW TO: Perform a Parallel Installation of Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;266465&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Or the paragraph in this article.

"To install Windows XP to a new folder (to perform a parallel installation):"

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You can do the same with XP. Don't install any unnecessary programs, just keep the parallel installation as simple as possible.

Another choice would be something like this - BartPE which is a mini XP running on just CD but able to access the hard drives. Use another machine to create a BartPE CD and use the Ad-Aware and Virus Plugins.

http://www.nu2.nu/

And finally, there is always format and reinstall.

 

[cparks73]

FYI - This was a result of CWS SWAPX infection.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict3932.html

Thanks for the help