[criti]

When booting XP Professional, just after "loading personal settings" I get a "Runtime error 5" message with "Invalid procedure call or argument". At this stage my only option is to delete the message which leaves me with my desk top screen with no icons or possibility to do anything. What's up? What can I do?

[Advertisements]

While starting your computer tap the F8 key once every second during the memory count up, or during the system splash screen where you see the system maker's name (HP, COMPAQ, DELL....etc.)

This will result in a text based menu. Use the cursor/arrow keys to navigate to SAFE MODE and hit enter.

Does the problem recur in safe mode?.

[dsenette]

While starting your computer tap the F8 key once every second during the memory count up, or during the system splash screen where you see the system maker's name (HP, COMPAQ, DELL....etc.)

This will result in a text based menu. Use the cursor/arrow keys to navigate to SAFE MODE and hit enter.

Does the problem recur in safe mode?.

[criti]

When I enter safe mode, I get the option of selecting "1st boot device". I chose Maxtor, hard drive and XP starts to install. It is only when I log the password and the personal settings are being installed that right sfter I still get the runtime error message. Thanks.

[dsenette]

....that's not going into safe mode....you seem to have chosen your boot menu to pick what item to boot from...was there ever a black screen with a bunch of white text talking about loading files etc..?

[criti]

You're absolutely right. Subsequently I did go into safe mode but the same message appeared. I was sussessful in reinstalling XP (in safe mode) and after installation, I got a popup "Spyshredder" which aooarently ran a virus check and stated that I had 100 infected hits. Finding this somewhat suspicios, I researched "Spyshredder" , using another computer, on the net and discovered that in fact IT was a malware! So right now I'm at the point of backin up my files and eventually I will re-format my hadrd drive. I think this will be the easiest solution since it would seem that Spyshredder is difficult to remove. Thank for your input, it got me started on the right track. Feel free should you have any further advice. Thanks!

[dsenette]

if you haven't started the format yet you should pass through the malware forum here...they're very good at getting these things cleaned up without having to format

Please go to the malware forum and follow the instructions at the top....Especially the CLICK HERE.

That will give you several steps that will help you clean up 70 percent of all problems by yourself. If at the end of the process you are still having difficulty (and you may not be) then post a hijackthis log in THE MALWARE FORUM forum.
(Posting HiJack This logs in any other forum other than the malware forum is forbidden. If you post an HJT log in any other forum, it will be removed and it will take you longer to get help, so please make sure you only post HJT logs in the malware forum)

If you are still having problems after getting a clean bill of health from the malware expert, please return to this thread..

[criti]

Thanks. I've posted my message and read the instructions. I'll get back to you with the results.

[criti]

ISSUE RESOLVED, decided to reformat hard drive. Thanks.