[rcm190]

Hi,

In my house, 2 computers have stopped working in less than 2 hours. I'm not sure if it a virus because they are both hooked up to the same network OR if it is just coincidence. Any help that anyone can provide would be awesome.

computer 1: My sister's friend sent her an email telling her to not open another email bc it contained a virus. She opened the one that told her not to open the first one. Her computer slowed down and she deleted all processes containing VCA. Please don't ask me why because I really have no idea. Now, her computer turns on and show the Microsoft screen and then goes black. Any suggestions? I'm guessing she deleted part of Windows XP but I really have no idea.

computer 2: The computer turns on and the windows signon screen pops up. when you click on a user, the normal screen appears except all of the shortcut icons are internet explorer symbols. No applications seem to run - even if I go through windows explorer. Basically the computer can do absolutely nothing.

Any help would be grately appreciated!

thanks

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knowing why she chose VCA might help...and do you mean she terminated them or deleted them (how did she do that?)

On this first machine, I would start with a windows repair following this procedure

http://www.geekstogo...ws-XP-t138.html

the second one is...interesting.

Can you log into safe mode? What occurs?

[gerryf]

knowing why she chose VCA might help...and do you mean she terminated them or deleted them (how did she do that?)

On this first machine, I would start with a windows repair following this procedure

http://www.geekstogo...ws-XP-t138.html

the second one is...interesting.

Can you log into safe mode? What occurs?

[rcm190]

She deleted the VCA items because her friend the virus was named xxxxxx(something)VCA. I believe she went into the hardware and/or processes and deleted them. I'll try the windows repair when I get home.

I haven't tried safe mode for the 2nd computer. Is there anything I should do once I get into that?

[gerryf]

I suspect the second machine is infected with something and that is the cause...loading into safe mode may result in a good load...if so, I would visit the malware forum and follow the isntructions there.