[mrsmcgee65]

My son has a used, Dell D600 laptop running Windows XP Professional. He bought a new one, so I have been trying to clean this one up for my husband to use. I can open Control Panel, but Add/Remove Programs option will not open unless I run in safe mode. Even when I do, I can only remove one program and the computer freezes up! I ran AVG and found 12 viruses, 7 of them Trojans! Obviously my son does not like to run anti-virus programs. Also, I would like to know how to reset the computer back to its factory settings.

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I suspect that you have some malware on your computer causing issues that we are not able to solve through means we can use here in the Tech Forums. I suggest you read the 'Start Here' topic found HERE. With these self-help tools you have a high chance of fixing the problems on your own. If you are still having problems after following Step 3 of the guide, continue with Step 4 and 5 and post in the Malware Forum. If you are unable to run any programs, Please create a topic stating what you have tried so far and that you are unable to run any programs. Also, Please do NOT post the logs in this thread.

If you are still having issues after the malware expert gives you a clean bill of health, Please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).
Add a link to this topic so that malware tech can see what steps have been taken here

[rshaffer61]

I suspect that you have some malware on your computer causing issues that we are not able to solve through means we can use here in the Tech Forums. I suggest you read the 'Start Here' topic found HERE. With these self-help tools you have a high chance of fixing the problems on your own. If you are still having problems after following Step 3 of the guide, continue with Step 4 and 5 and post in the Malware Forum. If you are unable to run any programs, Please create a topic stating what you have tried so far and that you are unable to run any programs. Also, Please do NOT post the logs in this thread.

If you are still having issues after the malware expert gives you a clean bill of health, Please return to THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).
Add a link to this topic so that malware tech can see what steps have been taken here

[wconha67]

i suggest downloading ccleaner.it removes it has its own remove programs option and works great.ccleaner is safe,simple and takes up very little space.its worth a try and i have a good feeling it will do the job you need.

Edited by rshaffer61, 26 November 2011 - 05:23 PM.
Removed registry cleaner information

[rshaffer61]

Wconha67 just a FYI for future reference. It is GTG stand not to recommend any type of registry cleaner for the below reasons.

A registry cleaner will not increase your system's speed or performance, and has the potential to break your registry to the point that your PC is no longer bootable.
We strongly advise that people stay away from any of the registry cleaners out there.
Go HERE to get more information about why registry cleaners aren't needed.


Thanks to Sari for the explanation

[wconha67]

i wasn t recomending ccleaner as a registry cleaner but as a temporary removal utility to help with this problem.i won t recommend that in the future
thanks
bill

Edited by wconha67, 26 November 2011 - 07:28 PM.