[blank window opening when starting Windows]

I am running Microsoft Windows 98

My computer runs flawlessly with the following exception.

When the computer boots and arrives at my desktop a blank window opens.

The window string is C:\Program files\Common

This problem began after updating my Norton Anti Virus subscription. In conversation with Norton the tech’s that I’ve spoken with plead ignorance.

I am using a Gateway computer..
Microsoft Windows 98 4.10.2222 A
Authentic AMD AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
128MB RAM

Can anyone diagnose the problem and offer me a way to correct the problem?

 

What Norton product are you using?

 

Windows 98 SE

I am using Norton Anti Virus 2004 updated to Version 10.01.13

Appreciate your interest and assist.

WinFan

 

WinFan--Several possibilities
1) It could be a virus. Here is a quote from another web site:
"It is likely the virus / type of virus that I found on my computer, (IRC Trojan)... The problem you are having is due to the creation of the file explorer.exe in your C:\ and your C:\Windows\
system32 directories (delete these files and your computer will display the icons and task bar at startup - because it will load the proper explorer file from your C:\Windows directory). "
Read that carefully. Explorer.exe is a legitimate Windows file when it is in C:\Windows\. It is not legitimate when it is in the other two folders mentioned. So do a Find on explorer.exe and if you find it in the wrong places delete from there. Do not delete explorer.exe from C:\Windows\.
Alternatively, are you able to run a scan with Norton AV?
If not can you get to the internet to run an online scan with Housecall?
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

2) If this just happened in the last 2-4 days, another idea is to boot to an MS-DOS prompt and run scanreg /restore from there. You will be offered a selection of (probably) five dates. Pick a date prior to the problem|Enter. Wait|Reboot.

3) A fairly longwinded but possible solution here
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win98/t1042787721

 

Windows 98 SE (Window Overlay)

This is a repost with a bit more claritiy.

I am running Microsoft Windows 98 SE

My computer runs flawlessly with the following exception.

When the computer boots and arrives at my desktop, the desk top boots well displaying all of the correct Icons. The desktop also works well. What appears is a "blank window" which overlays the Desk top. A Blank window opens displaying its source as C:\Program files\Common.

This problem began after updating my Norton Anti Virus subscription. In conversation with Norton the tech’s that I’ve spoken with plead ignorance.

I am using a Gateway computer..
Microsoft Windows 98 4.10.2222 A
Authentic AMD AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
128MB RAM

Can anyone diagnose the problem and offer me a way to correct the problem?

WinFan

 

WinFan--You may be infected by WinTools (Huntbar) malware.
Look under C:\Program Files\Common for a folder called WinTools. If you find it, you can take the following steps
1) Follow the instructions here
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=37074 or
2) Follow the instructions here
http://www.pchell.com/support/wintools.shtml
#1 is a more comprehensive approach, since you may find other malware at the same time and learn how to remove them.

 

I have heard from WinFan by private message saying it is not WinTools.
WinFan--It may not be WinTools, but I am pretty sure you have some virus or malware. Have you looked at this site and followed the procedure there
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=37074 ?

There are lots of similar blank window overlay problems here
http://www.google.com/search?source...D:en&q="blank+window"+C:\Program+files\Common
But I suspect following the suggested procedure above is the best route to take.