Computer Help (Laptop won't load XP)

[GeronL]

There is this older Toshiba laptop running Windows XP. It loads but I can not log in. It says it is loading the settings but then it logs off, the desktop never loads.

I tried safemode but AVG is hard to use in safe mode.

There may be a virus but why would it do this?

I think AVG may have quarantined a file the computer actually needs or something.

Does anyone have a clue?

[mkjessup]

IF you can get into safe mode, I’m not sure if you can run system restore from safe mode, but IF you can, try rolling back the system to one of it’s backup points.

On another note, I can’t believe we haven’t seen any iSnobs droping by to mewl their usual “buy an Apple” mantra, lol

[GeronL]

I am trying that first!

[AFreeBird]

Windows doesn't do that, the AV, which may be MS does, but you have a problem.

And the problem with trying to eradicate a virus from an infected system, using the AV software on said system, is dubious IMHO. It should ideally be done from a RO boot CD with up to date AV software and virus definitions. And even then I consider it dicey, in that, I don't trust that the system is clean unless it's wiped, and rebuilt, starting with all the safeguards on max.

But that's just me.

[bcsco]

worm.win32.skynet detected on your system

Check here: worm.win32.skynet. Caution, I've not used this removal tool. You might want to do a Google search first.

[GeronL]

I don’t think system restore was ever set up. I’ll try it next probably.

[mkjessup]

That ‘worm.win32.skynet’ message, was that generated by AVG or did it just pop up out of XP?

[GeronL]

ever seen a malware that changes your desktop to say “Your system is infected!” blah blah

obviously not from Windows

[GeronL]

whatever the malware is it does not let me run Taskmanager

[GeronL]

I think the message was from Malware or something, pretending to be an AV program

[foolishboi]

I think the message was from Malware or something, pretending to be an AV program

Yes, thats one of their MO’s

[GeronL]

that worked.

thanks.

now to find this malware.

Being locked out of Taskmanager is a pain

[foolishboi]

If you can get into windows I would DL the trial version of Norton Antivirus (improved dramatically over the last 2 years) update and scan. Norton will find and kill it.

[JoeProBono]

I use AVIRA.

Hated AVG.

http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Go into safe mode. Try to download a copy of the Insane Key finder or an equivalent. Or do this from another PC and run it via a CD or floppy or USB drive on the Toshiba. Record the WinXP lincense COA number (25 digits).

Now use a CD-RW or USB drive to extract any personal data files (My Documents et al).
Shut down the Toshiba and then reboot with a Win XP CD. Wipe the drive and reinstall Windows with the 25 digit license key you found with the keyfinder. Technically, there should be no need to reactivate but it may ask you to.
Reboot and setup the laptop as you normally would...finally restoring your data files.

Then look into a nice imaging software like Macrium Reflect. It's free and will make an image of your hard drive while Windows is running. It's sweet and will allow you to restore an image should this happen to you again...thereby negating the need to wipe and reinstall WinXP. Just re-image.

[rightly_dividing]

Congrats on finding this FReeper's problem. While reading this thread something you said rang a bell with me:I think the message was from Malware or something, pretending to be an AV program Yes, thats one of their MO’s

I clicked on an unkown website the other day, and got a meesage box offering to DL an AV software, all the while my window was opened to My Computer and showed flashing numbers of "bugs" on my C & D drives. It would not let me X out of it and re-flashing more messages when my cursor went near the X. I suspected something was attacking my machine, so I shut down, and re-started. Everything seems fine since.... Your take on this, please? Did I handle it right or do I have some malware or something now that I am not aware of?

[TomGuy]

I changed from AVG to Avast! about a year ago.

AVG got to be bloated and created conflicts with other programs.

Avast! Home version has been great. I do have some of their options turned off, however, that can slow my system.

[TomGuy]

Then look into a nice imaging software like Macrium Reflect.

Absolutely!

I use CloneGenius which runs from CD/DVD drive and creates image files of my OS partition. It has saved me several times. I don't have to reinstall WinXP and all my programs from scratch. Backup/imaging usually takes about 40 minutes, non-compressed, for my 28gb OS partition and about the same time to restore to my last, best OS operation.

[GeronL]

The malware is not affecting the other users?

say what??

That is weird WEIRD weird!!

[GeronL]

That was an attempt to get you to download the malware. clicking that would have done it.

I have seen a few of those. There was one that pretends to be Windows Security Center for instance.

[GeronL]

Okay, the Malware seems to affect one of the 4 users on this computer, strange