My computer has been working fine until last night. When I switched it on today my Ad-Aware Pro detected multiple attempts to change the registry. I wasn't sure what they were so blocked them. Now the Ad-Watch part of Ad-Aware won't load and I cannot open any .exe files at all, it just tells me there's no program associated with performing this action and to create one in folder options. My Windows Explorer seems to be missing (the icon that launches it anyway) and system restore won't work either (get the same message - no program etc...). I've downloaded several anti-spyware scanners but I can't run those either! When I rebooted after blocking the suspicious attempts to change the registry it stopped on the Welcome screen with a dialog box that has two little black lines in it, a close button (which doesn't work) and an ok button. The boot process will not continue unless you click ok. It does this now on every boot. Also, I've booted in safe mode but nothing works in there either and I cannot 'connect to the server' to update my AV. I've tried the run dialog in the start menu to get the command prompt and that doesn't work either, I get the same message about there being no program etc... For the few icons I do click that actually do something, they all open Ad-Aware. That's probably my fault - the first time it asked me to associate an icon with a program, I chose to apply it to all files like this. Do you think its a virus? 1 person needs an answerI do too

Hello PoodleP6240,Please tell us the Windows version/edition ? and which antivirus was installed on this system ?Whether you have the Windows CD / DVD for this system ?Tell me if you manage to start Windows in Safe mode or in Safe Mode with Networking.and if once in there, if using CTRL+ALT+DEL you can get to Task Manager Maurice Naggar ~ MS-MVP

My computer has been working fine until last night. When I switched it on today my Ad-Aware Pro detected multiple attempts to change the registry. I wasn't sure what they were so blocked them. Now the Ad-Watch part of Ad-Aware won't load and I cannot open any .exe files at all, it just tells me there's no program associated with performing this action and to create one in folder options. My Windows Explorer seems to be missing (the icon that launches it anyway) and system restore won't work either (get the same message - no program etc...). I've downloaded several anti-spyware scanners but I can't run those either! When I rebooted after blocking the suspicious attempts to change the registry it stopped on the Welcome screen with a dialog box that has two little black lines in it, a close button (which doesn't work) and an ok button. The boot process will not continue unless you click ok. It does this now on every boot. Also, I've booted in safe mode but nothing works in there either and I cannot 'connect to the server' to update my AV. I've tried the run dialog in the start menu to get the command prompt and that doesn't work either, I get the same message about there being no program etc... For the few icons I do click that actually do something, they all open Ad-Aware. That's probably my fault - the first time it asked me to associate an icon with a program, I chose to apply it to all files like this. Do you think its a virus? Restart your computer in safe mode with networking. Click start > run > typecmd > ok. On the command line type assoc.exe=exefile > press enter. This will reset your executable file association. Now typeregsvr32 /n /i inetcpl.cpl > press enter. This will reset your internet. Now download and run full scans with Malwarebytes and Superantispyware. Make sure you update Malwarebytes prior to the scan.http://www.malwarebytes.org/http://www.superantispyware.com/portable…I don't vote for myself I'm not here for the points. If this post helps you, vote. Visit my forum @ http://repairbotsonline.com/

Hi Joelj1964thanks so much for your post.I'd already tried safe mode but part way through the boot process (just as with the normal boot) I still get the dialog box which stops the boot process unless you click on ok and then when its finished booting, again, nothing works, not run, system restore, internet updating, av programs, not exe's (except internet explorer, which I managed to get running by some total fluke). Today some 4 days after this thing started, when I boot normally (well, abnormally should I say) it immediately opens Windows Media Player and in the listing it says Device Detector...

Hi MauriceThanks so much for your reply. I'm running XP Pro not sure which edition/version but it was before SP1, about 6mths after it first came out. I'm running AVG free. I do have the CD (tried to boot from it so I coud do a detect and repair) but it won't boot from the disk (changed it in the bios), it just spins the disk then carries on the normal boot process. I haven't tried to get task manager in safe mode because even safe mode won't boot properly (as per my original post). Something else I forgot to mention; all icons in my system tray have disappeared except the clock which again, if you click on you get the following message as with all other exe's:"This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel"I'm not a massively technical person but know enough to have kept my PC running ok for 6 years with only a few minor problems, but this has me beat for sure. I just hope someone can help because I really don't want to have to build a whole new computer (although its probably about time!)CheersPoodleP

Confirm that now you are at least getting back into Windows ( I presume Windows normal mode) and you are able to somewhat use the Start bar. ok?Can you retry invoking Task Manager?and also, tell us what the label says on the CD (something like Microsoft Windows XP operating system) .....Maurice Naggar ~ MS-MVP

Whoa! something exciting has happened! I thought I'd better copy all my pics/music etc to disc, made a start and once the first disk was done, went to check it, right mouse clicked and it gave the option to scan with AVG which has opened up the program, was able to update the definitions and is now performing a scan! Mind you, its probably too late now and the damage is done since all it seems to be finding is loads of tracking cookies. I can get task manager, but trying to start programs or cmd from there doesn't work either, still get the "This file does not have a program... etc"

"tracking cookies" do not matter at this time. Those can be ignored for the time being.The main thing is to find out what has happened & what is going on with this system.As to Task Manager, if you can select "RUN" , you can give it the explicit EXE name (even if you have to point it to the folder location of an EXE) (e.g. Task Manager >> File >> New Task Run >> "browse" button and navigating to location of exeThere's a high likelyhood the system is a victim of malicious malware.Consider getting expert guided help for free at an anti-malware forum ! Malware cleanups are too involved & complicated to deal with here.** Help at malware removal forums: Read the topmost directions at one of the following forum and Post your logs (as required by the forum) to one (and only one) of the following http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0 http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=87.0 (how to post guide) http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html http://forum.malwareremoval.com/viewforum.php?f=11 http://www.spywareinfoforum.com/index.php?showforum=18 http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5 http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22 or other appropriate forums for expert analysis, not here.**Make very sure you read and follow the very topmost instructions at the forum you have selected. Please do not post to more than 1 forum.Do NOT post your logs here. Maurice Naggar ~ MS-MVP

Whoa! something exciting has happened! I thought I'd better copy all my pics/music etc to disc, made a start and once the first disk was done, went to check it, right mouse clicked and it gave the option to scan with AVG which has opened up the program, was able to update the definitions and is now performing a scan! Mind you, its probably too late now and the damage is done since all it seems to be finding is loads of tracking cookies. I can get task manager, but trying to start programs or cmd from there doesn't work either, still get the "This file does not have a program... etc"I'm not really sure what you mean by "the damage is done". If you are able to boot windows then your computer is fine; just infected. This is not a difficult process to fix. Click on the first link below and download exehelper.com. Once downloaded choose RUN. This should fix the "Open with" errors you are getting. Once you have completed this revert back to my post above and run those scanners I provided the links to. Include TDSS Killer as well. Second link below. Post the results.http://www.mediafire.com/?fa2pviplwzcqxhuhttp://www.mediafire.com/file/bu3fw057xl602d9/TDSSKiller.exeI don't vote for myself I'm not here for the points. If this post helps you, vote. Visit my forum @ http://repairbotsonline.com/

Hi Joelj1964I've tried all the links you provided but I either cannot run them because I still get the same message "This file does not have a program... etc" or now, I'm getting a new one, that a DLL file is missing from the program!Maurice N has 'told me off' for posting in the wrong forum as he believes is a malicious malware. I've never ever had the need to go onto any forums before hence my naivety. The time I've spent/wasted on this, I would have built a new computer from scratch by now!Thanks for all your suggestions anyway. :o(

@PoodleP6240I've NOT "told you off" as you put it and neither have I said you are in the wrong section.I've said you need guided expert help. And that you should not post any HijackThis logs (or similar) here IF you did any preliminaries at the forums I listed.That said, did you get exehelper and where did you put it? Did you guide Task Manager (browse) to the exact name of exehelper and to the folder where you saved it?What DLL file is missing ? Exact message would be helpful.Maurice Naggar ~ MS-MVP

I've tried everything suggested even joined a malware forum suggested, all to no avail because my system won't let me carry out any of the actions/suggestions/softwares. I'm admitting defeat guys - I'm going to rebuild, there are too many different error messages/things that are now not working correctly that even if I DO manage to rid the system of the Malware, I'll probably still have to do an over the top install of XP to put things right. I just don't have the patience.Thanks for everything and I'm sorry if you feel I've wasted your time.

I've tried everything suggested even joined a malware forum suggested, all to no avail because my system won't let me carry out any of the actions/suggestions/softwares. I'm admitting defeat guys - I'm going to rebuild, there are too many different error messages/things that are now not working correctly that even if I DO manage to rid the system of the Malware, I'll probably still have to do an over the top install of XP to put things right. I just don't have the patience.Thanks for everything and I'm sorry if you feel I've wasted your time.Hi PoodleP6240; I do not think there were any ill intentions and you have nothing to apologize for. I completely agree with Maurice this is a malware issue. That does not, however, mean you are in the worong forum. I do not analyze Hijack This logs here out of respect. There is actually nothing in MS terms of use which prohibit the same. I have no idea what forum you have been to. However, you are welcome to post your issue on the forum on the link below. You will have to create an account to post. This prevents spamming and drive-by posting. If necessary I will personally work with you from the chat box there. THe forum is completely free. The dll error is certainly due to malware. This is nothing more than the registry calling for the execution of a file which has since been removed by AVG. Your choice but, I have seen and repaired much worse cases than yours.Free forum : Repair-Bots OnlineI don't vote for myself I'm not here for the points. If this post helps you, vote. Visit my forum @ http://repairbotsonline.com/

Thank you so much Joelj1964, I really appreciate your very kind guesture. I have registered on the site you suggested as Poodlej. I'll be online later. Thanks again.