Task manager and regedit won't stay open

they close up a split second after i open them. i got a program manager and pretty much narrowed it down to the msconfig32.exe file. when i shut that down, my regedit and task manager stay up. i've tried norton, housecall, pc cillin, avg, and they haven't picked up anything. can anyone offer some help short of formatting?

 

Mark,
Welcome to the forum!
If you know the approximate time this problem started, I'd suggest you roll your system back using system restore if you have restore points going back far enough?
Remember though that any programme installs and updates (windows updates etc) after that restore point will need reinstalling. Failing this you may have to look at doing a repair install of XP. Post back for details on this if you decide to go down this path.

 

There seems to be a small epidemic of this. Try this patch. I applied it even though I don't have the problem and had no adverse consequences:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;823980

 

Also do a virus check. I had that problem and tried everything -- extracting a new version of msconfig, etc. It finally turned out to be a virus (specifically, the w32.spybot.worm and backdoor.sdbot viruses).

 

turned out to be w32.spybot.worm and w32.tzet.worm. any good free antivirus programs out there. the norton i d/l couldn't detect it. but nortons online scanner found it.

 

Try TrendMicro's:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_pcc.asp

 

found this through norton online scanner, housecall didn't pick it up.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mm\explorer.sys is infected with W32.Tzet.Worm

any ideas how to get rid/clean it?

 

Explorer.sys is not a Windows file so you can delete it.

 

You need an anti-virus program that will automatically quarantine and then delete all infected files. What's the cost compared to the labor time you're spending trying to deal with the problem on your own?

 

Hi marks910

Have you read Symantic Security response for this virus. About 2/3rd's down the page is "removal instructions ". Does not appear be be a downloadable "run and fix ".

Added note to "Abraxas" 1st posting (23:22).....
If on XP
If you subscribe to "auto updates"
You had the opportunity to apply 823980 Hotfix update about middle of July.

 

Hi marks10

Don't know where you are in fixing your problem, but did notice
W32.Blaster.Worm Removal Tool from Symantec is now available. Hope this helps if your still looking for a cure.