[spikeysas]

Hi,

My friend has asked me to look at her laptop as when she tries to log in to Windows XP Pro it presents her with many errors and doesn't load the desktop icons or the start bar. Unfortunately she is not aware of anything that she may have done to cause this.

When I first tried to log into Windows it came up with the following error:

Explorer.EXE - Bad Image
The application or DLL C:\WINDOWS\system32\WININET.dll is not a valid Windows image. Please check this against your installation diskette.

When I clicked ok various other similar errors appeared but I was able to access Task Manager so I ran chkdsk /r. Since rebooting the first error is:

Explorer.EXE - Unable To Locate Component
This application has failed to start because WININET.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

I am not sure what to do now. I can't run Internet Explorer as it says it can't find it - I was going to see if I could run an online virus scanner. If I try to go into Safe Mode I get the following BSOD:

STOP: 0x0000008E (0xC0000005, 0x804D92C2, 0xF96E55C4, 0x00000000)

I am hoping to try and find a way of sorting this out without reinstalling Windows as I don't want to lose her data if at all possible.

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I suggest that you start a new topic in the Malware Removal and Spyware Removal area.

Before you start a new topic click on this link --> Malware and Spyware Cleaning Guide, Please read before starting a new topic. This will give you a few preparations to make, as well as instruction for posting your OTListIt2 log.

If you are still having problems after being given a clean bill of health from the malware expert, then please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).

[Broni]

I suggest that you start a new topic in the Malware Removal and Spyware Removal area.

Before you start a new topic click on this link --> Malware and Spyware Cleaning Guide, Please read before starting a new topic. This will give you a few preparations to make, as well as instruction for posting your OTListIt2 log.

If you are still having problems after being given a clean bill of health from the malware expert, then please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).

[spikeysas]

Thank you for your response. I've had a quick read of the malware guide but I am concerned that I can't perform any of the preparation steps as I can only access Task Manager on the system. I can't get any files onto the computer as I can't open a browser in order to download them and I can't open My Computer in order to copy them across from a memory stick. System restore doesn't appear to work either. I used the run commands for these as I can access Run from Task Manager but they result in errors.

Would it be possible to remove the laptop's HDD and connect it to mine in an external enclosure in order to run virus scans etc.?

Are the Malware/Spyware Removal people going to be able to help me if I can't access the desktop, any applications, or safe mode?

[Broni]

Are the Malware/Spyware Removal people going to be able to help me if I can't access the desktop, any applications, or safe mode?

Yes. Start new topic, and state exactly what you just said here.

[spikeysas]

Thanks for your help. I have now posted in the Malware & Spyware Removal area.