I booted a computer this morning only to find upon bootup that the system font is completely unreadable. It looks like this $%^&*()@. It starts this way through the welcome screen and continues at the desktop. I have up-to-date virus definitions on the machine and ran the virus checker this morning. No viruses were detected. I rebooted and ran system restore. It did nothing to correct the problem. (I have another XP pro machine sitting right next to this one so I am able to see what I am doing by using the other machine.) I am completely stumped. I have never seen anything like this before. Any ideas? Is there something I can do short of reinstalling XP?
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System font unreadable
- Thread starter dmsosb
- Start date
This is beginning to be a trend.
. Boot into Safe Mode if you can.
. Use System Restore from a Command Prompt: . look in c:\Windows\Fonts for anything with an .htt, or .hta extension. Delete it.
. run Hijack and remove any startup entry that refers to .htt, or .hta
. Boot into Safe Mode if you can.
. Use System Restore from a Command Prompt: . look in c:\Windows\Fonts for anything with an .htt, or .hta extension. Delete it.
. run Hijack and remove any startup entry that refers to .htt, or .hta
- Thread starter
- #3
I did as you suggested. Ran system restore in Safe Mode. There were no files in C:\windows\fonts with a .htt or .hta file ending.
I ran hijack and got the following:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 9:35:34 AM, on 1/22/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\atievxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\Command AntiVirus\avinitnt.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\Command AntiVirus\schscnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\untray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\dvprpt.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\avtray.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 2 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CSAV_CheckViruses] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\vchk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [untray] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\untray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dvprpt] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\dvprpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avtray] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\avtray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [seticlient] C:\Program Files\SETI@home\SETI@home.exe -min
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PDFSaver] C:\Program Files\PDF-XChangeSDKEU\PDFSaver.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: PDF-Capture.lnk = C:\Program Files\PDF-XChangeSDKEU\PDFSaver.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {3E68E405-C6DE-49FF-83AE-41EE9F4C36CE} (Office Update Installation Engine) - O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) -
Everything is the same as it was. Nothing is working yet. Any other ideas?
I ran hijack and got the following:
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 9:35:34 AM, on 1/22/2004
Platform: Windows XP SP1 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\atievxx.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\Command AntiVirus\avinitnt.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
C:\Program Files\Command Software\Command AntiVirus\schscnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\untray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\dvprpt.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\avtray.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\Local Settings\Temp\Temporary Directory 2 for hijackthis.zip\HijackThis.exe
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\msdxm.ocx
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CSAV_CheckViruses] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\vchk.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [untray] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\untray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dvprpt] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\dvprpt.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avtray] C:\PROGRA~1\COMMAN~1\COMMAN~1\avtray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [seticlient] C:\Program Files\SETI@home\SETI@home.exe -min
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PDFSaver] C:\Program Files\PDF-XChangeSDKEU\PDFSaver.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: PDF-Capture.lnk = C:\Program Files\PDF-XChangeSDKEU\PDFSaver.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O16 - DPF: {3E68E405-C6DE-49FF-83AE-41EE9F4C36CE} (Office Update Installation Engine) - O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) -
Everything is the same as it was. Nothing is working yet. Any other ideas?
This is a Font Troubleshooter
As "Bcastner" says this is becoming some what prevalent and disturbing. Just what is causing the problem at the moment is a mystery to me.
This is a good one
thread779-750432
All Windows text turns to Hieroglyphics ?
thread779-755546
As "Bcastner" says this is becoming some what prevalent and disturbing. Just what is causing the problem at the moment is a mystery to me.
This is a good one
thread779-750432
All Windows text turns to Hieroglyphics ?
thread779-755546
JeffreyToo
Technical User
Wow. It seems that this is the same thing I just came upon, although the XP edition is XP Home edition.
Any luck? I'll check the suggested items posted.
Frustrated...
Jeff
Any luck? I'll check the suggested items posted.
Frustrated...
Jeff
JeffreyToo
Technical User
I saw that other thread re: reinstalling fonts and thought I'd try that. But you are suggesting a scan prior to that ...
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
JeffreyToo
Technical User
Well, let me try to do a scan in Safe Mode, reinstall fonts. I got to a point where I can at least read the icon names and some text to navigate a bit. I've also noticed:
* when i go to the fonts folder, no fonts appear -- however there is a fonts/fonts folder with a font in there. And I can generate the fonts by searching for files with .ttf and .fon extensions
* i'm wondering if i will be able to install any fonts, since the dialogue box that opens to 'install new fonts' gives me drop down file and folder names in the 'code'
Jeff
* when i go to the fonts folder, no fonts appear -- however there is a fonts/fonts folder with a font in there. And I can generate the fonts by searching for files with .ttf and .fon extensions
* i'm wondering if i will be able to install any fonts, since the dialogue box that opens to 'install new fonts' gives me drop down file and folder names in the 'code'
Jeff
JeffreyToo
Technical User
Still needing help - can't run sfc/ scannow from safe mode ... only in regular mode. Running scannow in regular mode 'works' but doesn't indicate any problems, etc.
After rebooting, problem still exists. Then checked registry for the font key listed in the thread -- did not exist. Recreated it in registry and rebooted -- still not able to install fonts. Font window doesn't display the fonts that are indeed present and dialogue box to install fonts uses the 'code/hieroglyphics' to display the folder and file names.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeff
After rebooting, problem still exists. Then checked registry for the font key listed in the thread -- did not exist. Recreated it in registry and rebooted -- still not able to install fonts. Font window doesn't display the fonts that are indeed present and dialogue box to install fonts uses the 'code/hieroglyphics' to display the folder and file names.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeff
From the newsgroups: "I too was having a problem with all
of my screen fonts just going crazy. It turns out that a utility I was using, called System Mechanic was the culprit. When I performed a 'Registry Clean' on it, it was fooling up the FONTS registry key. This is actually documented on the Iolo Technologies website. So, I used
the 'Restore Option' found in the Registry Tool Kit and restored the keys that were previously deleted."
of my screen fonts just going crazy. It turns out that a utility I was using, called System Mechanic was the culprit. When I performed a 'Registry Clean' on it, it was fooling up the FONTS registry key. This is actually documented on the Iolo Technologies website. So, I used
the 'Restore Option' found in the Registry Tool Kit and restored the keys that were previously deleted."
From the newsgroups: "Go to windows explorer and create a Temp directory on your C drive. Then open the command prompt and drop to the fonts folder (cd c:\window\font), copy all the fonts to the temp folder (copy *.* c:\temp).
then see if you can delete the original fonts,(del *.*)
After you have managed that, go back to windows explorer and go to the fonts folder, at the top click on File > Install new font and point it to the temp folder with all the fonts in it.
then see if you can delete the original fonts,(del *.*)
After you have managed that, go back to windows explorer and go to the fonts folder, at the top click on File > Install new font and point it to the temp folder with all the fonts in it.
JeffreyToo
Technical User
OK, this is getting almost freaky now.
While just trying to find something to work -- navigating a bit -- just as mysterious as the overall problem occurred, the font changed back to a readable font, and the fonts almost magically appeared in the font folder, able to be seen. So, I deleted the fonts in the actual font folder and then reinstalled them from a temporary folder I had them in. It all appeared to miraculously fixed.
Then I rebooted and while the fonts were ok booting up -- I found that the splash screens for my McAfee Virus Scan was full screen -- only the graphic itself was the same smaller size. Then, my McAfee Internet Security program posted a dialogue box about one of the Window files was trying to access the internet (I sort of expected that these files/programs would have to trigger such a message because I had blocked most everything that usually accesses the internet) -- but the McAfee internet security dialogue box was was HUGE ... I couldn't even move it enough to hit any button lower on the dialogue box. I also found that my McAfee Firewall program seems to be displaying in this HUGE fashion as well. Even the programs itself when accessed/started (just apparently McAfee Internet Security, Virus Scan and Firewall) are displaying in HUGE boxes with HUGE type, etc.
I checked the various logs via the computer mgmt program to see if anything registered when the computer went back to normal fonts ... nothing really out the ordinary or noticeably significant related to the fonts nor the McAfee program and dialogue box sizes.
I'm perplexed ...
Jeff
While just trying to find something to work -- navigating a bit -- just as mysterious as the overall problem occurred, the font changed back to a readable font, and the fonts almost magically appeared in the font folder, able to be seen. So, I deleted the fonts in the actual font folder and then reinstalled them from a temporary folder I had them in. It all appeared to miraculously fixed.
Then I rebooted and while the fonts were ok booting up -- I found that the splash screens for my McAfee Virus Scan was full screen -- only the graphic itself was the same smaller size. Then, my McAfee Internet Security program posted a dialogue box about one of the Window files was trying to access the internet (I sort of expected that these files/programs would have to trigger such a message because I had blocked most everything that usually accesses the internet) -- but the McAfee internet security dialogue box was was HUGE ... I couldn't even move it enough to hit any button lower on the dialogue box. I also found that my McAfee Firewall program seems to be displaying in this HUGE fashion as well. Even the programs itself when accessed/started (just apparently McAfee Internet Security, Virus Scan and Firewall) are displaying in HUGE boxes with HUGE type, etc.
I checked the various logs via the computer mgmt program to see if anything registered when the computer went back to normal fonts ... nothing really out the ordinary or noticeably significant related to the fonts nor the McAfee program and dialogue box sizes.
I'm perplexed ...
Jeff
You are very close to resolving the issue:
. as the fonts work "normally" in Safe Mode;
. as you have rebuilt the font folder;
. as McAfee is odd in appearance;
As a guess, it is a McAfee issue. It is clearly something run under Normal mode during startup. The antivirus software is one place to look. Try using MSCONFIG and cleaning your install by unchecking Startup programs, and reboot into Normal mode.
You may have to check and test, check and test, but one of these things is causing Normal mode issues with your fonts.
. as the fonts work "normally" in Safe Mode;
. as you have rebuilt the font folder;
. as McAfee is odd in appearance;
As a guess, it is a McAfee issue. It is clearly something run under Normal mode during startup. The antivirus software is one place to look. Try using MSCONFIG and cleaning your install by unchecking Startup programs, and reboot into Normal mode.
You may have to check and test, check and test, but one of these things is causing Normal mode issues with your fonts.
JeffreyToo
Technical User
I'll check that ...
Previously, when I was still having the code font problem, in safe mode I could modify the display font for my own Jeff account but the Administrator account would still have the code font (and I could not change the display font to something more readable. I'm not sure if that meant anything -- I haven't gone back to safe mode since the font fixed itself, so I don't know if that is still true between the Admin account and my account.
Jeff
Previously, when I was still having the code font problem, in safe mode I could modify the display font for my own Jeff account but the Administrator account would still have the code font (and I could not change the display font to something more readable. I'm not sure if that meant anything -- I haven't gone back to safe mode since the font fixed itself, so I don't know if that is still true between the Admin account and my account.
Jeff
Are you running McAfee's QuickClean lite? This has been known to cause Font problems in XP.
You could have a look at the Compatibility Mode Settings for your 3 McAfee program exe's just to make sure none of the check boxes relating to themes have been checked.
310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP
You could have a look at the Compatibility Mode Settings for your 3 McAfee program exe's just to make sure none of the check boxes relating to themes have been checked.
310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP
JeffreyToo
Technical User
Ok - so it seemed like McAfee was the culprit. So my Sunday was spent communicating with McAfee support staff via chat in which they had me (1) delete my wingdings and webdings, (2) sun again the system file checker in normal mode, (3) ran DOS scan, (4) uninstall the McAfee products, (5) manually delete McAfee references in the registry ... so I'm ready to reinstall the McAfee products.
However, I've noticed that one of the fonts that another program (ACT) was using - MS Sans Serif - was unusual in some of the displays of the program (only some). I deleted the MS Sans Serif and reconfigured the ACT font preferences to use another font. I'm wondering if perhaps the corruption is in some or all of the MS fonts.
(How I noticed the MS Sans Serif ... in the ACT font preferences, the only font size available for MS Sans Serif was 30. I'm thinking about checking the other font size options for the various fonts, esp. the MS fonts.)
So, here I am ...
Jeff
However, I've noticed that one of the fonts that another program (ACT) was using - MS Sans Serif - was unusual in some of the displays of the program (only some). I deleted the MS Sans Serif and reconfigured the ACT font preferences to use another font. I'm wondering if perhaps the corruption is in some or all of the MS fonts.
(How I noticed the MS Sans Serif ... in the ACT font preferences, the only font size available for MS Sans Serif was 30. I'm thinking about checking the other font size options for the various fonts, esp. the MS fonts.)
So, here I am ...
Jeff
hey I have taht now called compac support tech called it a spider virus i suppose he meant worm but was support from another contry and has diff slang, anyway.. the start tab was spelled ? ^ symbols. did you find a solution we are having compac send dicks so we may reforrmat as it is the restore built in didnt do the trick it must be something deep in windows..i didnt have second pc beside it but can hook one up if need to. will wait for responce my Handle is DaSone im an artist/factory worker. Dan Thanks 
opps.. on spelling. setting in dim smky room with messed up glasses..
hey ya know i am a real newbee here and failed to follow reading procedures.. my bad.
wiil check out sysem mech problem dont have mcafee on it..
suprised that odd fonts were reatained after f10 restore.. that got me thinking virus.
she did install before reboot ZA and spybot and aware 6 ..but have both these in several pc for years 98 ME XP pro and Home
I have never evr seen this..ok she installed this stuff .. she was having problem with massive pop up attack, hijacked for sure.. damage.. or loss of use.. and time to correct.. if ya able.. she not .i willhelp.. got out of hand..
i walked in just as it rebooted and alien nation on t5he windows start up welcome ..looked like somethin of the side a alien ship markings.tried some contol panel stuff difficult from memory.. ran aware6 got 37 things couldnt tell what was cause of fonts, now in the mean time ZA is stopping tsl.exe and sl--.exe and a downlaod asstant junk bunk stuff.I dont Understand These people and again know in my heart that it is all about money some how and maybe 17% awnryness.. something cant remember.
I think that we are dealing here with a bad downloading etiqute.. really bad spelling..
kazaa one of my favs a suspect ..use inly with caution.. am i right?
and the 11 year old Grandsons cheatsites for vidcheatcodes, hey .will check out kewl info i FAILED to look for ..
above otherwise the disks are in the mail.hooo haaa and
i reconmend backup after virus scans and refomating wipe the slate clean each 3months work well for me. if you are able to without destroying your pc fixs all normally.
sorry so long.. you are all great. i bet..or 99%
guess i needed to talk.
you computer freind and looking low on the spelling po.. ) Have a Great Whatever!!
DaSone USA IOWA
hey ya know i am a real newbee here and failed to follow reading procedures.. my bad.
wiil check out sysem mech problem dont have mcafee on it..
suprised that odd fonts were reatained after f10 restore.. that got me thinking virus.
she did install before reboot ZA and spybot and aware 6 ..but have both these in several pc for years 98 ME XP pro and Home
I have never evr seen this..ok she installed this stuff .. she was having problem with massive pop up attack, hijacked for sure.. damage.. or loss of use.. and time to correct.. if ya able.. she not .i willhelp.. got out of hand..
i walked in just as it rebooted and alien nation on t5he windows start up welcome ..looked like somethin of the side a alien ship markings.tried some contol panel stuff difficult from memory.. ran aware6 got 37 things couldnt tell what was cause of fonts, now in the mean time ZA is stopping tsl.exe and sl--.exe and a downlaod asstant junk bunk stuff.I dont Understand These people and again know in my heart that it is all about money some how and maybe 17% awnryness.. something cant remember.
I think that we are dealing here with a bad downloading etiqute.. really bad spelling..
kazaa one of my favs a suspect ..use inly with caution.. am i right?
and the 11 year old Grandsons cheatsites for vidcheatcodes, hey .will check out kewl info i FAILED to look for ..
above otherwise the disks are in the mail.hooo haaa and
i reconmend backup after virus scans and refomating wipe the slate clean each 3months work well for me. if you are able to without destroying your pc fixs all normally.
sorry so long.. you are all great. i bet..or 99%
guess i needed to talk.
you computer freind and looking low on the spelling po.. ) Have a Great Whatever!!
DaSone USA IOWA
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