Internet Explorer %temp% files [Can't launch IE from Start or Desktop]

Hello

Computer: Dell Dimension with Win XP

History:

Original problem:
Internet Explorer browser was high jacked by a Trojan Worm. Home page showed "about blank" and I could not change it.

Steps taken:
Ran Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy to remove a Trojan Worm. Also removed Internet Explorer temporary files and history. (Note: I also deleted old restore points to avoid reinfecting the computer.)

Second problem:
Without checking to see if my IE browser was functioning properly, I updated my Norton Anti-virus software from version 2003 to 2006, which did not install correctly. (I first removed version 2003.)

Solution:
Symantec Tech support told me to clear out the old Symantec tempory files in the %temp% folder, which I did. I reinstalled Norton Anti-Virus 2006 without any problems.

Current problem:
I cannot launch Internet Explorer from the Start menu or Desktop icon, and all the favorite bookmarks in Internet Explorer are gone.

To launch IE I have to highlight the application icon in the programs folder and select "run as ". When I tried to import my favorite bookmarks back into IE from my favorites folder in Documents & Settings an "Access Denied" window appears.

I assume that I mistakenly deleted temporary files needed by Internet Explorer when I removed the Symantec files.

Question:
How can I return my Internet Explorer browser to normal operation, or at least to the default status as if it were new.

As always, I appreciate your assistance,
Macpez

 

Hello Macpez,

Steps for rapairing IE in XP:

Repair Internet Explorer

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/howto-03.html

Regards - Charles

 

charlesvar,

Thanks for the reply and link.

Question: I have SP 2 on my computer and the Internet Explorer 6 download is for SP 1? Will this cause a problem when I change the registry key and "update" Internet Explorer?

I didn't see any IE download information for SP2.

I would appreciate your clarification before I proceed.

Many thanks,
Macpez

 

Pete,

Thanks for your help. So far I have taken the steps you suggested, but have not had any luck.

1) I used IEFix.exe, but it did not solve problem. (The application did display a window that said the process was successful, but I still cannot launch Internet Explorer.)

2) I uninstalled SP2 using the Add/Remove control panel. Still could not launch Internet Explorer with SP1 operating system. (Either using the desktop icon or from the actual application in the programs folder.)

3) I followed the instructions for Internet Explorer repair with SP1 and made the necessary changes to the registry. Since I could not access the Microsoft web site, I used my Windows XP CD with SP1 included on it to install IE. The re-installation of Internet Explorer appeared to go well and all the notification windows appeared saying that the installation was successful.

4) After restarting the computer, I still cannot launch Internet Explorer.

5) The only step I have not done is re-install SP2. Do you think this will solve the problem? What other steps can I take short of reinstalling the entire Window XP operating system?

Question: Since my problem started after deleting files in the %temp% folder (see above), are there any files that I can copy back into the folder from my Windows XP CD or my laptop?

It almost seems that the computer has locked me out and I cannot log back in. (I am the only user and there are no other accounts.) All other programs are working, including Outlook Express.)

Any information is appreciated. As always, thanks for your assistance.

macpez

 

Pete,

Problem solved. Many thanks.

Listed below are the steps I took.

1) I ran CCleanup, but it did not solve problem.

2) I re-ran Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy in Safe Mode: Ad-aware found 23 additional spyware files, including a trojan downloader file. All files listed as harmful were removed.

3) After restarting I still could not launch Internet Explorer.

4) By chance, I clicked on the Yahoo toolbar companion that was displayed in the My Documents window. The computer froze and I had to use Windows Task Manager to restart the computer.

5) After restarting, I removed the Yahoo companion toolbar using the Add/Remove control panel.

6) I restarted the computer and launched Internet Explorer with no problem. Additionally, all my original settings and bookmarks were still intact.

Summary: It appears that the Yahoo toolbar became corrupt from one of the spyware files. When I removed the file(s) with Ad-aware, it "locked" Internet Explorer. (To be safe, I switched over to the MSN toolbar.)

As always, I appreciate your assistance. Thanks, Macpez

 

Some, myself included, regard the Yahoo Companion Toolbar as malware. Yahoo is in bed with Claria/Gator/GAIN.