Computer Problem: Taskbar & Icons Disappear, computer notoriously slow help?

FREEPers who know more than me | 09/17/10 | Recovering_Democrat

[Recovering_Democrat]

I am posting this in general/chat. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

I am running Windows XP on my desktop, all service packs okay.

My icons and taskbar will disappear/reappear...usually I can get them back by opening task manager and "bringing to front" a program.

The thing is running notoriously slow. My McAfee is finding some viruses and quarantining them, but it is driving me CRAZY.

Also, for no reason, my web browsers (explorer AND Firefox) will suddenly open these "web sites" for "work at home" opportunities...I've never asked for these sites to open, they just do it on their own...

ugh. I am in need of some computer genius advice. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[library user]

I know how to fix this. Check your FReepmail in a few minutes.

[Castigar]

Sonds like a bad infection of malware.

Try malwarebytes. It’s free and good.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[library user]

Malwarebytes is excellent, but it can’t always fix the problem of rogue drivers and especially not locked registry keys.

[kingu]

First and foremost, consider reinstalling XP. Likely been years since you've used a clean system and the updates can download overnight. Use the restore option if you've a Compaq or similar.

Absent that, download and install Spybot Search & Destroy and also get Malwarebytes. Run Spybot, use inoculate, and in a few hours when it is done, update MalwareBytes and run it.

[Eldon Tyrell]

Do as advised asap - while you still have some control.

Run and re-run the malware cleanups - sometimes it takes 2-3 times.

[mnehring]

My Friend, it sounds like you have one of the worst pieces of malware out there and it is a bugger to get rid of.

If possible, go to download.com and get Malware Bytes and run that. If this is the malware/virus I believe it is, it may block you from downloading anti-virus or anti-malware software. You may need to download these from another computer onto a portable drive and install them into the infected computer while it is in safe mode.

[Camel Joe]

Sounds like you have some tracking software running in the background with a redirector bringing up the web page for the work at home stuff. Do a search for ccleaner and download the free version, be careful to only download ccleaner and any of the other stuff running as adds on the page. Ccleaner wipes your temp internet folder when or while you are surfing. Run it each time you go online, afterwords, to keep a low e-profile.

[ShadowAce]

[Carpe Cerevisi]

In addition to what was mentioned above, download CCleaner and run it to clean out the crud.

[ken in texas]

Yep... you got nailed by something pretty ugly. I don’t know what “library user” is sending to you; hopefully it will be of some assistance. Keep us posted.

[eyedigress]

Run Combofix. It will give a series of serious questions. Do it

http://www.combofix.org/

[Joe 6-pack]

Call these two ladies; they're experts at restoring icons...

[Retired Greyhound]

Looks like you have a bit of malware FRiend.

Try this

This product works well too

And this.

[kidd]

I had similar symptoms about 4 months ago.

I had a rootkit virus. Really nasty virus.

See
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-tdss-tdl3-alureon-rootkit-using-tdsskiller

for fix.

[Revolting cat!]

INAYLIP (In Before Are You Logged In Posts)

[library user]

That site is not affiliated with the developer of Combofix.

It’s a hoax.

Recovering_Democrat - Please check my FReepmail for advice.

[Retired Greyhound]

CCLeaner is great, too.

Also, forget about Explorer. Stick with FireFox. Get the AdBlock Plus addon.

I haven't had ad ware or malware in years.

[eyedigress]

There is a blatant “B” missing.

[ntmxx]

Other than, at any given time, any one of the AV/FW apps can be by-passed by malicious coding.

Classic indicator of the following five items:

1. Anti-Virus and Firewall paid version not up to date
2. Not having a secondary pop-up blocker such as 12Ghosts
3. Not using a paid version of Malwarebytes
4. Opening up junk which may be infected, without thinking about it first
5. Going to sites which have questionable programming attached to it

Here is a general rule, all security apps at some point have problems; Mcafee is more of a corporate app, Norton is infamous for stuff getting by…personally I use ZoneAlarm, and recommend to the novice or home user AVG…

If you do switch, make sure you get your current versions removal tool prior to installing a new version or another app; I hope this helps.