My computer (windows 2000 pro) is infected, but I can't even try to follow highjack this steps because I can't even get past the log on anymore.
It will show my desktop(changed) for a few seconds, then gives this message:

A fatal error in IE has occured at 0028:C0011E36 in VXD VMM<01> +00010E36: Error was caused by Trojan-spy.html.Smitfraud.c
*system cannot run in normal mode. Please check security settings.
*Scan your pc with any available antivirus/spyware remover program
to fix the problem.

Then it shows a popup errorbox that says:

explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by windows. you will need to restart the program
an error log is being created.
At this point it just goes in a circle of trying to restart, and showing the messages.

I have tried safe mode, booting from disk, debugging mode...still the same thing.

When I first saw the problem ( my desktop changed and showed an html page for spyware removal, plus started installing links and programs on my desktop ) I immediatly disconnected the internet connection. downloaded spyware doctor from another computer and ran that. It found plenty of stuff, but not what I needed. I deleted what I could find manually (was not in add/remove software list) computer still worked but still had desktop spyware thing.

Now, like I said, it just goes in a circle, i can't open or click anything before it restarts again. I don't know what else to do.
Please help, I am desperate!

Kelly

who is your i s p , if dialup ,ck your dialup conn,numbers not staying connected,causing prob.,,also ck. internet explorer repair in add-remove programs,,repair by double click it..

Thanks for trying to help Eddie, but I think you didn't quite understand the problem.
I can't open or click anything before it restarts again.
There are solutions on microsoft for the explorer.exe error, but nothing like I have with the constant restarting

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...b;EN-US;Q319124

all the solutions I have come across require that the system is running. I can't get to anything because it just restarts over and over.
The most progress I have made was to use ctrl alt del to get to the task manager. It shows no tasks running except "program error", but I can view the processes. There seems to be a bunch of DRWATSON.EXE going on. Its listed about a dozen times (while i am looking at this explorer is still running in it's circle).
I have tried to click the DRWATSON.EXE and end process but they pop up faster than they can be ended.
In the task manager, (new task) I can get to the registry (regedit.exe) Is there is something I can work with there?

Unfortunatly, I won't have a lot of time to try it because the restarting (makes error buttons on the toolbar) it soon runs out of virtual memory.

Hi Kelly. Not helping here, just letting you know that I have the exact same problem. Desktop appears for a second or two then disappears and box comes up saying there's an error. Each time it does this it opens a new window with a button at the bottom of the screen. I use Alt-F4 to close them, but they just keep coming. We probably have the same problem. Someone help please.

I deleted explorer.exe from WINNT directory and now I just get a blank screen. Did this through command prompt in Safe Mode. Doesn't sound like much of an improvement, BUT now I can go into Task Manager (CtrlAltDel) and start programs (New Task), such as Excel, etc. At least I can get at my data and move it someplace before I reinstall windows. That was my main concern, saving my data. I can even start IE and Outlook Express this way and get to Internet and my email. Not too different than normal except I don't have task bar at the bottom and have to start programs through Task Manager. Can switch windows with Alt-Tab. Hope this helps.

Hey Bayridge,
I have solved my problem! With ALOT of help from another forum. Those guys are so great!

Here is the thread:

http://forum.iamnotageek.com/t-1819087000.html

It's long, but if you are going what I went through, it's worth the read.

Good Luck,
Kelly

TO KELLY 2110,,I,VE SOLVED MY PROBLEM BY INSTALLING THE LATEEST VERSION OF MICROSOFT ANTI SPYWARE....DON,T HAVE THE USUAL POP UP OF INTERNET EXPLORER ENCOUNTERED A PROB.@ HAS TO CLOSE......THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED,,,,

Hmm. Where'd he come from? Anyway, I fixed it but don't know exactly how. Ran Ewido and it found a lot of crap. Crap that got past my SpySubtract, AdsGone, PC-cillin, WinPatrol and AdWatch. After it removed the virus or spyware or whatever, I rebooted and problem was solved. Will be buying Ewido for sure. Thanks to all.