[idiotmsyhkin]

My laptop has been unable to boot for about 6 months now, and last night, I just felt like trying it again, so I started it up, and was able to boot into safe mode. I'm using Windows XP Home SP2, with a 25gb hard drive, 224mb of ram, Celeron processor at 2.2ghz. The virus that is on my laptop has created an administrator account that is not visible under "user accounts", though is visible (but inaccessable) from the XP login page, consistently turns off my anti-virus software (sbc-yahoo online protection package), has taken away my access to windows installer with an error message that states "the system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation". gpedit does not work. I cannot go online. "administrator *" is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file. I REALLY do not want to try to reboot it, seeing as how it's the first time I've gotten it to boot in 6 months. Any suggestions?

[Advertisements]

Hi idotmsyhkin and WELCOME! to Geeks-to-Go.

My first thought is that if you have not used the computer in that long it would work best to reformat and fresh install. XP will be quite sluggish with that little RAM, but I expect that you have experienced that. 2000 or 98 would be better choices for that machine.

If you insist on going forward with a 'clean-up' of the current installation, you're going to need help. Most pre- HijackThis tools will not work without installing. I suggest that you use the working computer to download the Avira Rescue System disc: http://www.free-av.c...cue_system.html

Download and "Save" to the Desktop. Once the file transfer is complete, insert a blank CD in the tray and double click the 'saved' file. It will automatically create a bootable CD which you can use in the laptop.

Boot the laptop from the CD, and follow the on-screen prompts to scan the hard drive and remove all the nasties that it can. Since Windows (and the malware) is not loaded, it will do a pretty good job, and should allow much more normal boot and useability.

There is no guarantee, however, that everything will be corrected. For that, please get professional help.

I strongly suggest that you next follow the procedures outlined here:
http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html

When complete, post a HiJackThis log here:
http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html
Posting a HJT log elsewhere will only delay the help you need.

In your first post, please provide full system specifications and a concise description of the problem, including what you have done so far.
You will be helped by a trained malware removal specialist.

If problems remain after your helper gives you a clean bill of health,
post back here and we will assist in getting everything sorted.

Good luck, and happy hunting.

[1101doc]

Hi idotmsyhkin and WELCOME! to Geeks-to-Go.

My first thought is that if you have not used the computer in that long it would work best to reformat and fresh install. XP will be quite sluggish with that little RAM, but I expect that you have experienced that. 2000 or 98 would be better choices for that machine.

If you insist on going forward with a 'clean-up' of the current installation, you're going to need help. Most pre- HijackThis tools will not work without installing. I suggest that you use the working computer to download the Avira Rescue System disc: http://www.free-av.c...cue_system.html

Download and "Save" to the Desktop. Once the file transfer is complete, insert a blank CD in the tray and double click the 'saved' file. It will automatically create a bootable CD which you can use in the laptop.

Boot the laptop from the CD, and follow the on-screen prompts to scan the hard drive and remove all the nasties that it can. Since Windows (and the malware) is not loaded, it will do a pretty good job, and should allow much more normal boot and useability.

There is no guarantee, however, that everything will be corrected. For that, please get professional help.

I strongly suggest that you next follow the procedures outlined here:
http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html

When complete, post a HiJackThis log here:
http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html
Posting a HJT log elsewhere will only delay the help you need.

In your first post, please provide full system specifications and a concise description of the problem, including what you have done so far.
You will be helped by a trained malware removal specialist.

If problems remain after your helper gives you a clean bill of health,
post back here and we will assist in getting everything sorted.

Good luck, and happy hunting.