Cannot access Device Manager- window opens, then closes [HJT log]

Hello,

I am currently using this illegal version of Windows XP Pro (as mentioned in an above thread- my legit XP Pro should be here tomorrow FedEx tells me).

I just purchased a new 256MB Radeon video card and the installation calls for me to access Device Manager. When I open it from the Control Panel, or run Devmgmt.msc, the window will open, then immediately close on me. I can keep doing this, I can just see the Device Manager window, and then it closes- killer tease, especially because I want to test out this new toy.

Is there any way I can fix this so I can use my new video card tonight, and not wait to reinstall my legit XP Pro when it arrives in a day or so?

Thank you!
Taylor

 

Use the Doug Knox fix as a first attempt: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_emerutils.htm

Then apply the .EXE fixes that MS_MVP Ramesh discusses: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/exefile.htm

This is a malware related issue. I hope you get the new CD so you can follow the steps I have outlined previously. This one would be removed by the steps I provided.

And I ask a favor of you: you should have asked this question in your original thread. Other than feeling some sympathy for your plight, I normally would not have responded to this request at all because you started a second thread. It is an important courtesy.

Best wishes.
Bill

 

Bill,

Again-- thank you for your quick and detailed response. I do apologize for the second thread. Most forums I'm on, each individual topic gets its own thread. For future reference I will keep my threads to one (especially when related to one major issues, eg;the illegal XP issue).

I tried both steps to allow Device Manager to remain opened when I try to disable the onboard video card. But it will still only remain open after I double click it or us the Run command, for just about half a second, then close immediately without an error message.

Thank you for your time,
Taylor

 

It is a malware issue.

Wait till you sort the other issues, and Device Manager should work find from that point.

 

One more thought related to this issue while I await my XP Pro CD...

Is there any way I can remove the illegal key for XP Pro so I can still use it for 30 days before activation. It could be that XP Pro will just need the reinstall/repair, with the link you provided, but maybe it's the illegal key somehow closing all of the important windows I try to open in XP... Device Manager, Manage, etc.

Just a thought? Itching to get this Radeon working...

Thanks again,
Taylor

 

Hm, well--- I just reinstalled Windows XP Pro legally today.... Device Manager, and Manage (Disks) both still don't stay open. They will temporarily open, then quickly close without error message - more like a program is telling them to close. My AdAware full-scan shows I have an "XPKeyFinder" that is impossible to remove via AdAware ( "Unable to remove ").
Should I just delete the EXE file it is in, if I can?

I'm simply trying to install my new Radeon Video Card and need to access Device Manager to turn off my on-board video card, but can't since it keeps shutting down. The leftovers from the illegal XP seem to be the problem.
Occasionally my McAfee pops up asking if something "----Key" can be run... it's too quick for me to read before it quickly closes the window (like Device Manager, etc) with the "Allow" setting clicked.
Last time I restarted XP, I was quickly able to click "stop script" or "stop program" (couldn't tell - it was much too fast, I barely got the click off) and then I was able to access Device Manager, Disk Manager, etc, since this action was Blocked.

How can I destroy this script or program that I can't even discover, when I can't necessarily find it or delete it with McAfee, AdAware, Easy Cleaner, OR MS Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool?! All I have on this is 'something... "KEY" is the script or program which is allowed to run and disables these necessary features.

Thank you!
Taylor

 

Have you done the steps outlined for your previously for malware cleanup on your computer?
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=59621

 

With a now legal XP disc, can we ask why you didn't do a complete format and install? This would have eradicated any malware altogether.

Was there data which could not be saved?

Sounds like you just did a reinstall of the OS.