Hello,

I am trying to help a friend with his sons computer. It is running XP but is loaded with trojans etc. I tried booting into safe mode and now only get a black screen with the four safe mode titles in each corner. I have no access to task manager as this has been disabled - probably by a trojan. When I boot up normally I get a desktop pattern (theme) but no icons - I am unable to right click or use the windows key?

I have tried all boot options in the safe mode list e.g. Last successful setting etc.

I am now in a position where I cannot get to the start menu (safe mode or otherwise) in order to install anti virus software. I have tried to reinstall XP but the PC does not seem to recognise the CD?

I think I am fighting a losing battle here, I think the trojans/viruses have done their worst and disabled every opportunity for me to rectify the problem.

If anybody has any suggestions on how I can get back into safe mode and view my desktop with all icons viewable or if there is any way I can reset the bios (just stabbing in the dark now), any advice would be much appreciated.

My last and final attempt would be to belt it with a 4lb lump hammer but I don't think my friend would appreciate that?

Many thanks in advance

Nigel

Configuration: Windows Vista
Internet Explorer 7.0