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Malware virus - now i cant see my desktop

Last answer on Oct 26, 2009 10:42:20 am GMT Amphibian115, on Aug 20, 2008 9:22:35 pm BST 
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Hello!
A few weeks ago I encountered a malware virus by clicking on an icon that said I had just encountered a virus and Microsoft was trying to repair it. I’m pretty sure that ive successfully removed the malware but I cannot access my desktop. My computer turns on and goes through the normal process but then a few minutes into using it – my desktop disappears, then it reappears for short periods of time

I know all of my information is still there because I can access it using the taskbar (control + alt + delete ) then “run” and browse – I’m even able to access the internet in this way, but I’m afraid that in doing this I’m causing some sort of long term damage – the longer the computer is on the more frequently the desktop disappears and theres a longer timeframe before it reappears again.

Please if anyone has insight I would greatly appreciate it. Times are pretty tight right now so I’m especially reluctant pay a fortune and give my baby to someone who’s only slightly more knowledgable than I am.

Thank you and have a wonderful day

Btw – I’m on a Sony Vaio Windows XP 2003<code>Configuration: Windows XP
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1

DewFreak, on Aug 20, 2008 9:26:11 pm BST
  • +1

Trying logging on thru safe mode, reset the computer and press F8 before you see the Windows logo. Choose safe mode from the list. Rerun your antivirus/spyware tools when in safe mode. Start with this and then we can go from there.

   
Reply to DewFreak

2

Amphibian115, on Aug 21, 2008 9:21:59 pm BST

Thanks - I'll give it a try!

   
Reply to Amphibian115

12

Trevvi, on Jan 13, 2009 3:36:25 pm GMT

FYI:
I had the same problem this AM.

Tried to do safe mode but Task Man just froze when I went to RUN - Browse.
I then did a hard shut down (Off switch) and everything came back on restart, so far so good.

Might be worth a try.

Good luck.

Trevvi

   
Reply to Trevvi

60

~B~, on Jul 5, 2009 9:56:58 am BST
  • +6

This might solve your problem:

http://www.geekpolice.net/...

   
Reply to ~B~

55

Ricky1123, on Jun 30, 2009 2:47:47 am BST

Hey can u help me i have the same problem with my computer and if u ever find the thing to fix it just msg me on my yahoo plzz my E-Mail is martinezenrique95@yahoo.com

   
Reply to Ricky1123

19

raul, on Mar 9, 2009 1:08:12 pm GMT

Hey, i have the same problem...I start my computer, and after the windows xp logo is loaded everything that i can see is black....I have tried to enter in the safe mode, but when it enters in the safe mod, my computer is restarting!!! what's the problem and how can i resolve it??

   
Reply to raul

57

gime_dat, on Jul 4, 2009 7:54:43 am BST

Kwanini computer yangu haiwaki mpaka niitie madole ?

   
Reply to gime_dat

41

Ephy, on Apr 26, 2009 6:40:01 pm BST

I would follow this step but it doesnt let me go into Safe Mode or Windows, its keep on going back to the same place. Even if i press Start Windows Normally its starts then goes back to the same place..............................
Please Help............ i'm losing my mind.......................................... .............. .............. ..............................

Dan

   
Reply to Ephy

42

bill, on Apr 28, 2009 2:47:47 am BST

Insert your Windows operating system cd (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Whatever....) and press any key when it comes up to ask to boot from CD. Once the CD loads Press The button to Repair your installation. It will load up a black screen with lots of stuff but just let it load. After it loads you get a blinking curser, type fixboot . It will complete and then type exit and restart to see if it starts. . Send me an email if you need more clear instructions
-Bill

   
Reply to bill

49

Liz, on May 7, 2009 1:19:51 am BST

Dear Bill,
5 - 6 - 09
Hi. I hope it is ok to write to you. I was reading about the viruses and only you had a different answer. I got this horrible Trojan in IE using win xp. I was using the task manager, but now it won't come up. I have a fake screen on log on windows. For 2 seconds I can see my old screen, all blank though. But I could use the TManager there, now I can't. I hate this trojan. Why do people do this? I am so screwed with work and all banking. I have AVG and Norton. They tried, but it was after the trojan got in. All I can do is F8. And I don't know where my disk is..... I can't imagine losing 4 years of work. I was trying to put all my stuff on an external hard drive when all of this happened. I am crushed Bill. Is there anything I can do besides hunt down the jerks who do this to people? I can get a win xp disk, but it won't be my original. I am using a dif laptop for my mail. I can't afford to take it to a shop Bill. I don't even own a tv so my pc is all I have. Pretty sad, eh? If you could be so kind and write back I would so appreciate it Bill, and thanks in advance. Liz There must be a way I pray!

   
Reply to Liz

67

Engineer Sam, on Aug 8, 2009 7:06:55 pm BST

I think it will do you a lot of good to remove the old OS and install a new one upon your files.

You can do this without hurting your whole of documents and files i mean to the last recovered job.

You will definitely lose only your installed programs only and not your work done and saved so far.

This will help you because I normally use it for other people and successfully too.

   
Reply to Engineer Sam

61

Deborah, on Jul 9, 2009 8:39:59 pm BST

Bill, I have the same problem, but when I tried to run my windows xp cd again, it didn't even recognize it. What now?
Deborah

   
Reply to Deborah

65

blaa, on Jul 28, 2009 2:40:07 am BST

Blaa ;)~

   
Reply to blaa

48

theneed, on May 5, 2009 9:35:49 am BST

You should clean your registry,
it is a commen malware unfected with problem,
i use this tool a for a long time .
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&q=keep1-pc-clean.com&btnG=Search

   
Reply to theneed

54

hellocat, on Jun 18, 2009 3:38:57 am BST

Malware destroy your registry,you should clean it, then solve your problem.
http://blogs.digitalmediaonlineinc.com/repairpcerror/entry/2­0090608

   
Reply to hellocat

56

Ricky1123, on Jun 30, 2009 2:50:35 am BST

I have that computer problem can u help me my E-Mail is martinezenrique95@yahoo.com plzz help me

   
Reply to Ricky1123

59

[uu], on Jul 5, 2009 9:56:04 am BST
   
Reply to [uu]

4

Private Defective, on Nov 22, 2008 2:01:18 pm GMT

I have the same OS and *exactly* the same problem. It's been weeks since I could use my desktop or Start menu. PC is relatively stable but but opening a program requires going through Task Manager. I can make the desktop reappear temporarily by logging out and logging back in again.

Hijack this doesn't find anything. Spybot identifies Virtumonde trojan but isn't able to clean it up. Vundofix, however, doesn't spot anything. Also, there are none of the ads that supposedly come with that virus. However, I understand that Virtumonde attacks the logon function, so maybe there is a connection.

Thanks a million for any ideas. I will try re-scanning in Safe Mode now.

   
Reply to Private Defective

5

Akiha, on Dec 27, 2008 2:26:21 am GMT

I had the same problem and resolved with malwarebytes, windows xp running in safe mode...

   
Reply to Akiha

6

mattk311, on Dec 28, 2008 5:50:50 am GMT
  • +19

I was having the same issue where the desktop wasn't appearing in regular mode or safe mode, and I solved it by:

1) Bringing up the Task Manager (CTRL - ALT - DEL)
2) Then click File -> New Task / Run
3) Browse to "C:\Windows\explorer.exe" (it may just say "explorer")
4) Click OK

This should bring up your desktop long enough to run the malwarebytes software, which will fix this issue, once you complete the scan.

Note: If the desktop goes away after you complete step 4, it should come right back up after a minute or so. You have to be fast, though!

   
Reply to mattk311

10

Max, on Jan 9, 2009 7:18:53 pm GMT

Thanks very much, this info helped me to solf my problem, i use Avast and it scan when i restart and blocked the flashing when run \malewarebites, my pc is fine now and im so glad there is network for good and not always for bad

   
Reply to Max

52

raju, on Jun 9, 2009 11:46:45 am BST
  • +2

Hi max.
my pc was virus infected. i installed avast & run bootup scan. after restart pc i cannot show/explore my desktop.
i go to task manager & run explorer.exe but windows cannot find explorer.exe.
Can u give me any registry related solve for it.

thanks

raju

   
Reply to raju

22

Juice, on Mar 17, 2009 12:21:39 am GMT

Thank you so much this worked like a charm!!!!

   
Reply to Juice

27

adviceman, on Mar 27, 2009 1:09:52 pm GMT

:)

   
Reply to adviceman

30

lightning, on Apr 6, 2009 3:16:10 am BST

Hi thank you for the tip, I have tried it but the task manager wont show up when I use the ctrl-alt-del just a blue screen pop up that has the lock, log off, change pass word button I have tried so many times but the task manager just wont show up. I really don't know what to do pleas help do you have any advise for me

   
Reply to lightning

45

gopal, on May 1, 2009 9:42:23 am BST

Sir i cannot see any icon on the desktop i tried ctrl+alt +del for taskmanager

   
Reply to gopal

46

Daniee, on May 1, 2009 9:32:00 pm BST
  • +1

Heyy wen ever i type in C:\Windows\explorer.exe in the task bar thing it shows alot of folders .. which one do i click on? and the explorer folder doesnt work i dont know why

   
Reply to Daniee

53

mixx, on Jun 17, 2009 11:58:44 pm BST

Hi i have hte same problem with my com . i had a virus on my com and i couldnt do anything go on the internet nothing . so ii restored it but the virus is still on. i tried to download a virus protection (northern) and after i downloaded it and it was restarting when my com loaded it was a black screen. i tried logging in into safe mode but i still get a black screen i also tried using ctrl alt del but it didnt come um please help . thank you

   
Reply to mixx

8

Torito, on Dec 31, 2008 6:31:23 pm GMT

Omg im having same problem it sux i cant use my Documents btw i know how to see a bit of desktop going Ctrl + Alt + Del -> Run -> Browse -> going at Explorer.exe and using right click and then Run as -> Administrator.... only like this i can see My computer My Network places... and some other folders but cant see My documents... i cant even fix something on Control panel its like everything its blocked from administrator.... Fucked up :(

   
Reply to Torito

9

mscorbitt, on Jan 1, 2009 6:54:03 pm GMT

I had the same issues and i took it to best buy geek squad. i ended up buying webroot spysweeper with anitvirus and i was able to remove the virtumonde. but now my computer loads and then everything dissappears. more to come. webroot did a good job of quarinteening the virus and removing it, but now i dont know what the issue is.

   
Reply to mscorbitt

11

comgeek, on Jan 10, 2009 3:44:31 am GMT

Its a malware attack on your computer, have you tried running an anti malware? if not than i suggest following ones

1: Run Malware Bytes (FREE)
http://darfuns.com/download-malwarebytes/

download and scan ur pc using malware bytes anti malware
2: if your pc still has the problem than install Super Anti Spyware
http://darfuns.com/download-super-anti-spyware/

Hope this solves the problem

   
Reply to comgeek

13

Mattdm, on Feb 19, 2009 3:04:38 am GMT

I am having an even worse problem. There has been a virus on my computer for about a week that McCafee couldn't get rid of. I got pop up ads, it downloaded more viruses. I got a strange icon informing me that there was a virus and i needed some special antivirus software. It even erased my WEP key for my wireless, so I would have to type it in every time.

This morning when I tried starting it, it asks me to log in, but I never used a password. I hit enter and the desktop flashes, then immediately goes back the logon screen! Opening it in safe mode does the same thing. I want to get my files off and put on my desktop so i can just reformat the hard drive.

Anyone had any experience with this? Is there anyway to open it in DOS and transfer files to a jump drive?

   
Reply to Mattdm

14

thelesser, on Feb 20, 2009 11:38:31 pm GMT

I just resolved the same issue on a friends computer. You need to start up with the OS disk and run repair mode. Not the first repair mode, but the second... you choose install, and then the disk finds the OS and asks if you want to repair. Say yes. This will reinstall the OS, but all of your files will remain. Once thats done you need to do ALL of the steps shown in the previous posts here. INstall the Malwarebytes software, scan, and so on. If you can't install the malwarebytes, follow the steps shown above (Rename, run, blah blah blah...) They worked for me. If you can't get explorer to load (can't see your desk top) then ctrl+alt+delete and browse to explorer and it should start up. good luck!

   
Reply to thelesser

16

Mattdm, on Feb 23, 2009 3:03:23 am GMT

I fixed my Windows XP problem (sort of). I downloaded the Ubuntu OS used it on a boot disk. I retrieved all of my files and then just replaced Windows with Ubuntu. Its a bit of a culture shock trying to do simple things like install a program, but so far so good.

   
Reply to Mattdm

69

KronicKitty, on Aug 21, 2009 8:15:13 pm BST

Mattdm ...

Linux is free ... but who cares its the biggest pile of S**T Ever !!!

Especially on computers with Wi-Fi !! No native support !!

Anyways , People ... try searching for ComboFix on Google ...

If that doesn't work ... try downloading Avast! Or Avira ... www.avast.com or www.free-av.com

Then run a full scan ...

Here are some other useful programs : Windows Defender - www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender and
Malware Bytes anti malware - www.malwarebytes.org

KronicKitty ... :)

   
Reply to KronicKitty

72

piuim, on Oct 23, 2009 2:58:05 pm BST

Xaxaxaxaxaxaxax
xaxaxaxaxaxaxaxa
you talk about linux
xaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxax
xaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxax
go find combofix or any other shit to fix your problems with xp which they have wifi support from sp2 xaxaxaxaaxaxa great achievement xaxaxaxa microsoft freak
xaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxaxxa

   
Reply to piuim

37

Sam, on Apr 22, 2009 11:02:42 am BST

My computer wont load up the OS disk from then log-in selection screen, is there anyway i can get it to run?

   
Reply to Sam

38

Sam, on Apr 22, 2009 11:10:26 am BST

Dont worry, im an idiot - just had to boot from the CD-drive

   
Reply to Sam

20

micha, on Mar 16, 2009 6:49:13 pm GMT

Hi, I just read your posted you posted back in febuary, my laptop is having the exact same problems and i really need help trying to fix it, im just trying to get logged in so i can save all my files. Did you get your computer back up and running and if you did could you please help me out, i'd really appreciate it. I really could use a step by step run though, thanks in advance, micha:)

   
Reply to micha

15

megamax77, on Feb 21, 2009 10:13:38 pm GMT

Ok..... I have done everything to kill the virus........ TRUST ME..... every single thing I've used sayd it's gone now, including the malwarebytes and the super-anit-virus program......... so.... like I said.... it's dead.... but my desktop isn't visible....... STILL!!!!! I've tried everything...... scanned multiple times, looked on google, tried other peoples advise...... nothing seems to work..... I own a windows vista....(just so ppl don't ask)....... So if you have any more advise on how to get my desktop to show again..... I'd be very appriciative!!! ^^ If I have to wipe my harddrive and lose everything to return it to normal, I will..... but I'm hoping for another way..... thanx for your help in advanced.......
Megamax77

   
Reply to megamax77

17

Mattdm, on Feb 23, 2009 3:16:48 am GMT

Hey Megamax, here is the webpage to the steps that I took so I could at least get my files off. If you follow them exactly you should be able to get past the Windows logon.
http://thinkinginpixels.com/quick-fixes/fix-windows-xp-log-o­nlog-off-loop/

Hope it helps,
-Matt

   
Reply to Mattdm

21

megamax77, on Mar 16, 2009 11:06:07 pm GMT

Im sorry matt, thats not what I meant...... What I mean is my computer worx fine and everything....... its just that my desktop is black and i cant see or click icons...... my start button and the bottom blue bar are missing also..... what I have to do is press ctr+alt+delete to run my programs, internet, ect....... the thing is that when i got the virus my documents were up and now when I log on they are up when my computer starts...... so its like this......
I turn on my computer.... it loads perfectly fine and shows the windows sign... but instead of going to my desktop.... it already has my documents running when it loads..... then when I close it it sends me to a black screen... aka... my desktop..... so then I have to press ctr+alt+delete to open the task manager to start the net and to use my items..... Also.... as a bonus.... my speakers dont work anymore either...... so thats the damage..... all I want to know is if I can fix it without having to get rid of all my stuff....... any suggestions???

Thanx ahead of time........

Megamax77

   
Reply to megamax77

39

elvie87, on Apr 24, 2009 6:12:40 am BST

Hey Megamaxx77,

It seems that your system files have been tampered with, so i'd recommend you to insert your windows disk, open the command prompt and type sfc/ scannow.This'll scan your system files and replace the corrupted files with the original files.Hope this helped.

elvie87

   
Reply to elvie87

26

virus, on Mar 25, 2009 5:15:15 am GMT

Hi
i guess fromating ur system will help you out this is the final thing what you can do if you are facing such problem.
Another thing is about your data then i would like to say u that try installing another OS on ur other partition of your hard drive and copy all the important data to the other drive and format the drive in which u have ur current operating system and your earlier operating system ......

   
Reply to virus

18

guru73, on Mar 4, 2009 3:04:12 am GMT

I work as a tech at Guru Computers “www.needguru.com” and I run across a lot of issues like everyone is having and we use the Malware Bytes and that works great the only reason people still having issues is because it’s not just running the software it’s what you need to do to your system before you run the software. That’s just my opinion.

   
Reply to guru73

28

rv, on Mar 29, 2009 5:24:27 pm BST

If i hit ctr+alt+del my pc restarts... Safe mode cannot be found under f8 nor f2, which also seem to be the only options... give me a shot gun, thi pc must be put down.

   
Reply to rv

29

rv, on Mar 29, 2009 5:24:27 pm BST

If i hit ctr+alt+del my pc restarts... Safe mode cannot be found under f8 nor f2, which also seem to be the only options... give me a shot gun, thi pc must be put down.

   
Reply to rv

31

Chorean, on Apr 7, 2009 8:58:00 pm BST

Oh my goodness....I have the exact same problem, almost verbatim, same computer brand and XP version. I can't see anything on my desktop, except my wallpaper. I think it accessed my computer through a warning window that told me I needed to run anti-spyware, or something like that. I am excited to try and save my files through the methods advised on this blog! I have 4 years of college on my Vaio that I do NOT want to lose!!

   
Reply to Chorean

32

Chorean, on Apr 7, 2009 9:11:09 pm BST

So not only can I not see my icons or task bar on the bottom, every 3-5 minutes or so, I get 2 windows that pop up, one internet explorer window that is blank, and then a smaller warning box that says I have spyware and need to fix it. If I delete the 2 boxes right away, my computer doesn't slow down as fast, but if I let it sit, then the same 2 boxes keep appearing over and over again. I am going to try doing the malwarebytes and cross my fingers....any help would be appreciated!!

   
Reply to Chorean

33

pctech49721, on Apr 9, 2009 3:30:12 pm BST
  • +1

The reason you can't see your desktop after the removal of the virus or malware is that it corrupted or changed registry keys that refer to running Explorer.exe as your shell upon startup.

I fixed this by booting and hitting Ctrl, Alt, Del to bring up task manager and then going to Run and browsing to C:\Windows\Explorer.exe and right clicking on it and then renaming it to texplorer.exe

I then ran regedit and went to HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon then I modifyied the Shell Key to say TExplorer.exe instead of Explorer.exe.

Now the desktop has returned. I installed MalwareBytes Anti-Malware & AVG 8.5 free edition. Updated both and ran full scans. Removed everything they found.

Ran regedit and reversed my changes above so it was back to Explorer.exe

Renamed C:\Windows\Texploere.exe back to Explorer.exe and then rebooted the system and all worked fine.

Hope this helps a few....

   
Reply to pctech49721

34

tiitommy, on Apr 13, 2009 11:46:28 pm BST

Same problems as the others XP/Dell Inspiron 8200/ used malwarebytes and Trend Micro Internet Security Pro and NOW I can't get past the login screen whether I use F8/F2/F12 or control alt delete?

I have the XP Pro disc in the machine as I wanted to boot from it, but it won't recognize any of the F keys (yes FLock is on).

How do I get in past the login screen if it won't let me boot in safe mode?

TiiTommy

   
Reply to tiitommy

44

ajeff, on Apr 28, 2009 4:11:59 am BST

I had the same problem. Did you know if you login as "administrator" you don't need a password in safe mode? At least w/ my windowsxp that was the case. Good luck.

   
Reply to ajeff

35

Astianax78, on Apr 16, 2009 4:44:17 am BST

Thank you very much man!!!You solved my problem !!!I really appreciate your help!!!Thank you one more time!!!Good luck in your life!Paul

   
Reply to Astianax78

40

xpb, on Apr 25, 2009 3:21:15 pm BST
  • +1

I did all of these as per your advice, i.e. change the name of explorer.exe to texplorer.exe and together with the registry change it worked like a charm. I also ran Superantispyware, who found a little more problems, but fixed them all.

Thanks.

   
Reply to xpb

43

ajeff, on Apr 28, 2009 4:08:09 am BST

I tried what you suggested - adding the "t". Now it won't let me remove it. Says there is already a file by that name....any suggestions? The system key one is fine, it let me change. It's the other that's the problem. Thanks!

   
Reply to ajeff

73

 murphy, on Oct 26, 2009 10:42:20 am GMT

I have searched but cannot find an answer to my problem. About three times in probably three years, I cannot see the words "log off" on my computer screen. Normally, those words are up in the right hand corner and I never have a problem seeing them. When I contact the various help desks, they can see those words, but not me. I have tried stretching my screen as far as it will go and going to the smallest font, but nothing works. Unfortunately, the most recent time, was on a confidential business site. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks

   
Reply to murphy

36

Help, on Apr 19, 2009 6:40:29 pm BST
  • +1

I can't see my desktop after running Malwarebytes. Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn't do anything. I've restarted with F8 and tried to load up Safe Mode, but it stalls and won't load. How can I get rid of this without Safe Mode?

   
Reply to Help

47

zach, on May 5, 2009 12:39:49 am BST

Hey, my desktop icons arent showing or taskbar i read the comments above except i cant even connect to the internet because taskbar wont show this is driving me crazy can anyone help

   
Reply to zach

50

agni, on May 11, 2009 4:58:57 am BST

Hi,
u know hijack this tool,use this tool.

   
Reply to agni

51

Noni, on Jun 7, 2009 4:49:23 am BST

To Agni & Zach, Hijack This Tool can be downloaded from here http://darfuns.com/download-hijackthis-log/

   
Reply to Noni
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