[selusional]

Hello there, it's my first time posting here.

 

I've been having an issue with my Windows 7 Home Premium Hewlett-Packard PC for a few days after my dad unplugged it then re-plugged it. Usually, I'd be able to fix the blank desktop issue (where there's nothing but my background and widgets, things still running in the back but absolutely no icons, taskbar, etc,) with System Recovery or Restore, but Restore doesn't work nor do I want to erase everything off my PC for the nth time. I tried to use CTRL+ALT+DEL-Task Manager however the screen turns black, I only see my cursor. So I have to run the PC on Safe Mode with Networking to be able to basically type this all. I tried running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to run a Threat Scan, quarantine the PUP's and the supposed Security.Hijack infections, however it returns and is embedded in the registry. Basically, I cannot return my desktop on Normal mode because I cannot even access Task Manager to run the explorer.exe process, it's absurd and peculiar. I never had this happen, only the desktop disappearing and that's it. 

 

What can I do to remove Security Hijack completely and be able to see my Task Manager? I find it really difficult to even use my PC now because I cannot return my desktop. I am wondering, is the desktop going missing due to unplugging the computer and replugging it? Or is it in this case, that the infection makes it even worse that it prevents me from fixing this issue entirely? I hope someone can help if it's not too complex. If there's really no other solution, I'll just commence System Recovery without further adieu.   

 

-Mely- 

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Please note that all instructions given are customised for this computer only, the tools used may cause damage if used on a computer with different infections.

If you think you have similar problems, please post the appropriate logs in the Virus, Spyware, Malware Removal forum and wait for help.

Hi and welcome to Geeks to Go.

I'm Dakeyras and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:

• I will start working on your Malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine!
• The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
• If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Refrain from running self fixes as this will hinder the malware removal process.
• It may prove beneficial if you print of the following instructions or save them to notepad as I post them.
• Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.

Next:

I have to run the PC on Safe Mode with Networking

If the need we can certainly attempt a Malware Removal process with your machine in this mode, however for the time being I propose we actually work outside of the actual Windows environment.

Anyway lets check if the following will reveal anything pertinent as follows...

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool:

Please download and save Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-Bit to a Flash/USB drive.

Note: If the above version of the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool turns out not to be compatible, merely delete that version and download use this one instead: Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 32-Bit

Then insert the Flash/USB drive into your problem machine....

Enter System Recovery Options.

To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:

• Restart the computer.
• As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
• Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
• Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
• Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
• Select your user account an click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:

Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows Complete PC Restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt

• Select Command Prompt
• In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.
• The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
• Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
• In the command window type e:\frst64.exe and press Enter

Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.

• The tool will start to run.
• When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please copy and paste the contents of the aforementioned notepad file in your next reply.

[Dakeyras]

Please note that all instructions given are customised for this computer only, the tools used may cause damage if used on a computer with different infections.

If you think you have similar problems, please post the appropriate logs in the Virus, Spyware, Malware Removal forum and wait for help.

Hi and welcome to Geeks to Go.

I'm Dakeyras and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:

• I will start working on your Malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine!
• The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
• If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
• Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
• Refrain from running self fixes as this will hinder the malware removal process.
• It may prove beneficial if you print of the following instructions or save them to notepad as I post them.
• Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.

Next:

I have to run the PC on Safe Mode with Networking

If the need we can certainly attempt a Malware Removal process with your machine in this mode, however for the time being I propose we actually work outside of the actual Windows environment.

Anyway lets check if the following will reveal anything pertinent as follows...

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool:

Please download and save Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-Bit to a Flash/USB drive.

Note: If the above version of the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool turns out not to be compatible, merely delete that version and download use this one instead: Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 32-Bit

Then insert the Flash/USB drive into your problem machine....

Enter System Recovery Options.

To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:

• Restart the computer.
• As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
• Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
• Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
• Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
• Select your user account an click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:

Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows Complete PC Restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt

• Select Command Prompt
• In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.
• The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
• Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
• In the command window type e:\frst64.exe and press Enter

Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.

• The tool will start to run.
• When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please copy and paste the contents of the aforementioned notepad file in your next reply.

[Dakeyras]

Duplicate...

This topic is now closed.