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Solved WinXp Control Panel/Settings Problem

Discussion in 'Malware and Virus Removal Archive' started by andrewsauce32, 2009/06/23.

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  1. 2009/06/26
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok, before I do these few things, let me clarify. (I really wasnt too specific on my problem, sorry!) I can open up Control Panel fine, but when I try to open certain things (Display and Add/Remove Programs are the ones I can name now), the mouse turns to the Mouse w/Hourglass, then nothing. (Meaning they dont show. I cant change my background/resolution/color settings there and I cant un-install programs through Add/Remove Programs, which is normally the way I do things) Also, when I right-click on the desktop, and go down to properties (which is Display), that doesnt work either. On the other hand, the computer IS running much faster than before, which is a plus!
     
    andrewsauce32,
    #21
  2. 2009/06/26
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Run the final steps, first.

    What happens, if you go Start>Run, and type:
    APPWIZ.CPL
    Click OK.
    Will Add\Remove open?
     
    broni,
    #22


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  4. 2009/06/26
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    The only update there was was IE8. Should I install it?

    And no, after I put that in, Add/Remove still wont open.
     
    Last edited: 2009/06/26
    andrewsauce32,
    #23
  5. 2009/06/26
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Nah. You can skip it.
     
    broni,
    #24
  6. 2009/06/26
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Nope, still cant open it. From what you're saying, this is kinda odd, eh?
     
    andrewsauce32,
    #25
  7. 2009/06/26
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Yeah, it looks like some system files problem.

    Go Start>Run ( "Start Search" in Vista), type in:
    sfc /scannow
    Click OK (hold CTRL, and SHIFT, hit Enter in Vista).
    Have Windows CD/DVD handy.
    If System File Checker (sfc) will find any errors, it may ask you for the CD/DVD (rarely in Vista case).
    If sfc won't find any errors in Windows XP, it'll simply quit, without any message.
     
    broni,
    #26
  8. 2009/06/26
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok, just one problem there. My mother recently moved, and I dont have the WinXP CD on hand. Ive been looking for it for the past 2 days with no luck. Umm... have any other methods as of right now? Oh, and yeah, it did say it needed the CD for something. (About a file in the .dll's section) Think that might be the solution? :eek:
     
    andrewsauce32,
    #27
  9. 2009/06/26
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    If sfc asked for the CD, that means, it found some missing/corrupt file(s).
    You can use borrowed Windows CD to complete the run.

    There is also workaround for people, who don't have Windows CD, but there is no guarantee, it'll work. It won't hurt to try it, though...

    Here you go:

    If you don't have Windows CD....
    (this applies mostly to Windows XP, since Vista rarely requires use of its DVD while running "sfc ")
    Note This method will not necessarily work as well, as when using Windows CD, because not always ALL system files are backed up on your hard drive. Also, backed up files may be corrupted as well.

    Go Start>Run, type in:
    regedit
    Click OK.

    Navigate to the following key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

    You will see various entries (Values) on the right hand side.

    The one we want is called: SourcePath

    It probably has an entry pointing to your CD-ROM drive,(usually D:) and that is why it is asking for the XP CD. All we need to do is change it to: C:
    Now, double click the SourcePatch setting and a new box will pop up.
    Change the drive letter from your CD drive to your root drive, usually C:
    Close Registry Editor.

    Now restart your computer and try sfc /scannow again!
     
    broni,
    #28
  10. 2009/06/27
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Ok Broni, I have a few things to say.

    First off, Avira Installation went great! I have it up and running, and things seem to be going well there! Thanks for letting me know about that!
    Now, off to the other part.
    I installed Comodo Firewall, and installation went fine. As it was updating, it froze, so I closed it. Nothing big there. Then, after the installation, it asked for a restart. Nothing new there, so I did so. After I started it back up, my internet connection went off again. (Oh no!) However, I didnt panic and I just turned off the firewall and restarted the computer again. After that, internet was working fine. Anyway, needless to say, things are working fine now, but I was wondering if there was some help you could give me concerning the firewall. Just to have it on, but not blocking my connection (which seemed to be the problem.) Oh, and one more thing! Comodo just picked up something...
    "Reader_sl.exe is trying to install global hook MSCTF.dll. Should I block it permanately? Im going to uncheck "Remember my answer" and say block for now, but it might come tomorrow. Anyway, im turning in for the night, so yeah. Thanks!
     
    andrewsauce32,
    #29
  11. 2009/06/27
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    I'm not sure, why Comodo is cutting internet connection off.
    You can either try to reinstall it, or simply use Windows firewall.

    Reader_sl.exe belongs to Adobe Acrobat Reader, so it's safe to allow the request.
    However, I have better solution for you.
    I recommend, you unistall Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a resource hog, and install FoxIt Reader: http://www.filehippo.com/download_foxit/, which is much smaller, and faster. It does very same thing.
     
    broni,
    #30
  12. 2009/06/27
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Well, I suppose this is about it Broni. You helped get the malware off of my mothers computer, and you helped me fix it so far. Even if the RegEdit thing doesnt work, I can find the CD's eventually, so its basically fixed. Thanks a ton for all the help Broni!

    By the way, should I change the RegEdit path back to D:/ or leave it at C:/?
     
    Last edited: 2009/06/27
    andrewsauce32,
    #31
  13. 2009/06/27
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    You should change it back.
    Malware-wise, the computer is clean, so I'm gonna mark this thread as resolved, and you can open new topic at Windows section about your other problems.
    Try to find that CD though...
     
    broni,
    #32
  14. 2009/06/28
    andrewsauce32

    andrewsauce32 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hey Broni, need some more help, lol. So, here's the scoop. My computer is working fine, no problems there. (Other than the CD-fix) However, it seems that my uncle's computer is now acting up. Its been running slower and slower each day, things are acting up, so that leads me to think that there is a virus(s) on the computer. I dont know if you still get messages on this topic, so ill let it sit for a few days. Anyway, if not, I might PM you, if you don't mind. Thanks!
     
    andrewsauce32,
    #33
  15. 2009/06/28
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    I'm still here, but you need to start new topic about the other computer.
     
    broni,
    #34
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