[kelly2110]

My computer (windows 2000 pro) is infected, but I can't even try to follow highjack this steps because I can't even get past the log on anymore.
It will show my desktop(changed) for a few seconds, then gives this message:

A fatal error in IE has occured at 0028:C0011E36 in VXD VMM<01> +00010E36: Error was caused by Trojan-spy.html.Smitfraud.c
*system cannot run in normal mode. Please check security settings.
*Scan your pc with any available antivirus/spyware remover program
to fix the problem.

Then it shows a popup errorbox that says:

explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by windows. you will need to restart the program
an error log is being created.
At this point it just goes in a circle of trying to restart, and showing the messages.

I have tried safe mode, booting from disk, debugging mode...still the same thing.

When I first saw the problem ( my desktop changed and showed an html page for spyware removal, plus started installing links and programs on my desktop ) I immediatly disconnected the internet connection. downloaded spyware doctor from another computer and ran that. It found plenty of stuff, but not what I needed. I deleted what I could find manually (was not in add/remove software list) computer still worked but still had desktop spyware thing.

Now, like I said, it just goes in a circle, i can't open or click anything before it restarts again. I don't know what else to do.
Please help, I am desperate!

Kelly

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[eddie leidenheimer]

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[kelly2110]

Thanks for trying to help Eddie, but I think you didn't quite understand the problem.
I can't open or click anything before it restarts again.
There are solutions on microsoft for the explorer.exe error, but nothing like I have with the constant restarting

http://support.micro...b;EN-US;Q319124

all the solutions I have come across require that the system is running. I can't get to anything because it just restarts over and over.
The most progress I have made was to use ctrl alt del to get to the task manager. It shows no tasks running except "program error", but I can view the processes. There seems to be a bunch of DRWATSON.EXE going on. Its listed about a dozen times (while i am looking at this explorer is still running in it's circle).
I have tried to click the DRWATSON.EXE and end process but they pop up faster than they can be ended.
In the task manager, (new task) I can get to the registry (regedit.exe) Is there is something I can work with there?

Unfortunatly, I won't have a lot of time to try it because the restarting (makes error buttons on the toolbar) it soon runs out of virtual memory.

[bayridge]

Hi Kelly. Not helping here, just letting you know that I have the exact same problem. Desktop appears for a second or two then disappears and box comes up saying there's an error. Each time it does this it opens a new window with a button at the bottom of the screen. I use Alt-F4 to close them, but they just keep coming. We probably have the same problem. Someone help please.

[bayridge]

I deleted explorer.exe from WINNT directory and now I just get a blank screen. Did this through command prompt in Safe Mode. Doesn't sound like much of an improvement, BUT now I can go into Task Manager (CtrlAltDel) and start programs (New Task), such as Excel, etc. At least I can get at my data and move it someplace before I reinstall windows. That was my main concern, saving my data. I can even start IE and Outlook Express this way and get to Internet and my email. Not too different than normal except I don't have task bar at the bottom and have to start programs through Task Manager. Can switch windows with Alt-Tab. Hope this helps.

[kelly2110]

Hey Bayridge,
I have solved my problem! With ALOT of help from another forum. Those guys are so great!

Here is the thread:

http://forum.iamnota...1819087000.html

It's long, but if you are going what I went through, it's worth the read.

Good Luck,
Kelly

[eddie leidenheimer]

TO KELLY 2110,,I,VE SOLVED MY PROBLEM BY INSTALLING THE LATEEST VERSION OF MICROSOFT ANTI SPYWARE....DON,T HAVE THE USUAL POP UP OF INTERNET EXPLORER ENCOUNTERED A PROB.@ HAS TO CLOSE......THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED,,,,

[bayridge]

Hmm. Where'd he come from? Anyway, I fixed it but don't know exactly how. Ran Ewido and it found a lot of crap. Crap that got past my SpySubtract, AdsGone, PC-cillin, WinPatrol and AdWatch. After it removed the virus or spyware or whatever, I rebooted and problem was solved. Will be buying Ewido for sure. Thanks to all.