Win explorer won't start

[Anubis3000]

Hi,

I have a problem with windows explorer. My computer boots normally, but when I login, windows explorer will not start; I just see a blank screen with the desktop background. When I go to windows task manager, and go to file -> new task and type "explorer", it will start for a second (I can see the task bar, etc.) but then it shuts down, and I am left with a blank screen. In addition, when I go to file -> new task and type "control panel" the control panel opens for a second and closes.

It could be spyware, but I am unsure as to how to fix. I have already scanned the hardrive by plugging it in to another computer, and did not discover any viruses.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Load into safe mode and run your antivirus and spyware/addware programs. If that dont work download hijackthis from a friends computer and transfer it onto yours via floppy/cdrom or any other way you choose.

http://www.download.com/HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10379544.html?tag=lst-0-1

Once you have it on your computer, open it and extract to desktop or prefered folder. Open it up and choose do a system scan and save a logfile. Post the logfile on here and I or someone else will go through it for you. Unless you absolutely know what your doing dont check anything on it till we take you through it for most of the items are legit.

 

[linney]

Only to repeat what "electronicsfreak" has stated, you may find additional advice and links from this FAQ.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Microsoft (GIANT Antispyware) Beta available
Thread779-979113

Try the free version of "Ewido"

http://www.ewido.net/

If you are unable to get any access to your machine via Safe or Normal mode, run them from another machine that has your drive connected.

Last chance scenario is Format and clean install. You could try a repair but that might keep most of the malware intact because of the design of a repair install.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

HOW TO: Partition and Format a Hard Disk in Windows XP (Q313348)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q313/3/48.asp

Read the paragraph,
"How to Partition and Format Your Hard Disk by Using Windows XP Setup."

 

[BFOJ]

I had a customer with this problem, the fix is listed below.

Read the info at:

ftp://ftp.f-secure.com/anti-virus/tools/shellfix.txt

Download and save the shellfix.reg file at:

ftp://ftp.f-secure.com/anti-virus/tools/shellfix.reg