CD-ROM drive opens/closes of own accord

Cindy

The mention of vulnerabilities noted by TrendMicro prompted me to look again at your HJT log where the version of Windows running is noted. I see that you are running XP without any Service Packs and, presumably without any of the critical updates.

It is not surprising that you have encountered some problems as the security of your operating system is far from up to date and is full of security holes. Note - I am not saying that this is the cause of the bizarre behaviour of the CD-ROM drive, but your system is open to many exploits from the web.

This is a situation which needs to be rectified. Apart from the fact that your system is extremely vulnerable Microsoft ceased support in terms of Windows Updates for plain XP some time ago and will cease support for XP SP 1 this coming October. Basically this means that you must have Service Pack 2 to be able to download critical updates through Windows or Microsoft Update.

There have been two Service Packs for XP since it was released - SP 1 and SP 2 - SP 2 is cumulative so does not need SP 1 to be installed first.

I would encourage you to update your system to SP 2 and to then apply, through Windows Update all the critical patches issued since SP 2. There are 3 possible ways in which you can do this ....

The first, which I think may not be feasible, is to log onto Windows Update from the Start menu and see if you are offered SP 2

The second is to order an SP 2 CD from Microsoft here.

And the third is to use the download link given in the above URL, but be aware that the download is ~200Mb so DSL/cable is essential.

The other points you mention ....

This is located in the Java cache and the simplest way of dealing with that is to empty the cache. I don't know which version of Java you are using - I suspect an old version which makes it difficult for me to guide you as I have the latest version installed, but go to Control Panel > Java and look on one of the tabs for a 'clear cache' button or, in the latest version 'Delete files' button.

I think that ....

has been picked up from the !Killbox Log. Best solution is to delete C:\!Killbox - it is no longer needed.

Sorry if I have alarmed you with talk of Service Packs and vulnerabilities, but those are the facts and, if you intend to use the Internet, it is essential that you close the security loopholes in XP.

 

Cindy

I obviously cannot be sure that you have no bad guys on your computer, but you antivirus should be protecting you there. Always he possibility of some other malware, so, if it makes you more comfortable, we'll check - my standard instructions follow ....

Please download HijackThis through Quicklinks in my signature and save it to a folder on your hard drive, say C:\HJT - not to the Desktop or a temporary location. When entries are fixed with HJT a backup is made to the folder from which HJT is run and this must be in a permanent location.

Please download and install the 30 day trial version of Ewido Anti-Spyware

Run the program either from the Desktop icon if you chose to install one or from Start > Programs. On the main screen select the Update icon followed by the "Update now" link and click on the Start Update button. The update will start and a progress bar will show the updates being installed.

When the update has completed select the Scanner icon at the top of the window and click on the Settings tab.

On the Settings screen click on Recommended actions and then on Quarantine.

Under Reports select Automatically generate report after every scan and deselect Only if threats were found.

Close Ewido Anti-spyware. Do not run a scan just yet.

Boot into Safe Mode and log onto your usual account.

Do not open any other windows or programs while Ewido is scanning as this may interfere with the scanning proccess.

Start Ewido Anti-spyware by double-clicking the icon on your desktop or from Start > Programs and select the Scanner icon at the top of the window followed by the Scan tab and click on Complete System Scan. The scanning process will start and may take some time.

When the scan is complete if any infections were detected you will prompted for an action - select Apply all actions.

Then select the Reports icon at the top of the window and click on the Save report as button in the lower left hand corner of the screen and save it as a text file (be sure to remember where you saved that file, this is important).

Close Ewido and reboot your system back into Normal Mode and post the Ewido scan report here.

Open the folder in which you placed HJT and double click on hijackthis.exe and select Scan and save a log file - this will be saved in the folder from which you ran HJT.

Post the log here.

I think we are closing in on the conclusion that your CD-ROM drive is failing and it's time for a replacement. I would also try another mouse if you have access to one - the hardware may well be the cause of the scrolling.

 

No hurry - at your speed I am here virtually every day.