Guest Phisherman Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer, Please contact your administrator. " Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but it doesn't recognize the administration password. When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before playing. Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will play an non copy-protected movie. Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated definitions and no items were found. When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any changes made. I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 7, 2008 Posted August 7, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... > An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I > attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get > > "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on > this computer, Please contact your administrator. " > > Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is > Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but > it doesn't recognize the administration password. > > When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before > playing. > > Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will > play an non copy-protected movie. > > Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it > came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full > sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated > definitions and no items were found. > > When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was > running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any > changes made. > > I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA What exactly do you mean with "roll back the registry"? Using System Restore? If yes, go back two or three days!
Guest Phisherman Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:21:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: > >"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... >> An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I >> attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get >> >> "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on >> this computer, Please contact your administrator. " >> >> Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is >> Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but >> it doesn't recognize the administration password. >> >> When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before >> playing. >> >> Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will >> play an non copy-protected movie. >> >> Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it >> came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full >> sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated >> definitions and no items were found. >> >> When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was >> running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any >> changes made. >> >> I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA > >What exactly do you mean with "roll back the registry"? Using System >Restore? If yes, go back two or three days! > After attempting System Restore "Your Computer cannot be restored to 8-1-2008 System Checkpoint No Changes have been made to your computer..." I tried other dates but got the same response. Help!
Guest Dustin Cook Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! Phisherman <noone@nobody.com> wrote in news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com: > An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I > attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get > > "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on > this computer, Please contact your administrator. " > > Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is > Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but > it doesn't recognize the administration password. > > When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before > playing. > > Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will > play an non copy-protected movie. > > Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it > came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full > sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated > definitions and no items were found. > > When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was > running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any > changes made. > > I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA > Try using malwarebytes antimalware, and after scanning and removing whatever it finds, reinstall service pack 3. -- Regards, Dustin Cook, Author of BugHunter BugHunter - http://bughunter.it-mate.co.uk MalwareBytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message news:8q5n945ejrtrdh79vbo386rejuki7k9emi@4ax.com... > On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:21:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" > <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: > >> >>"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >>news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... >>> An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I >>> attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get >>> >>> "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on >>> this computer, Please contact your administrator. " >>> >>> Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is >>> Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but >>> it doesn't recognize the administration password. >>> >>> When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before >>> playing. >>> >>> Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will >>> play an non copy-protected movie. >>> >>> Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it >>> came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full >>> sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated >>> definitions and no items were found. >>> >>> When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was >>> running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any >>> changes made. >>> >>> I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA >> >>What exactly do you mean with "roll back the registry"? Using System >>Restore? If yes, go back two or three days! >> > > > After attempting System Restore > > "Your Computer cannot be restored to > > 8-1-2008 > System Checkpoint > > No Changes have been made to your computer..." > > > I tried other dates but got the same response. Help! You write "Windows XP reported that there have not been any changes made." I think your interpretation of the System Restore messages is incorrect. When it said "Your computer cannot be restorerd to . . ." it meant that the System Restore tool failed for some reason. You can try a manual system restore as per this KB Article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545
Guest Gandalff Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... > An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I > attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get > > "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on > this computer, Please contact your administrator. " > > Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is > Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but > it doesn't recognize the administration password. > > When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before > playing. > > Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will > play an non copy-protected movie. > > Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it > came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full > sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated > definitions and no items were found. > > When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was > running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any > changes made. > > I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA Hi Unfortunately you have a virus that has taken over the control of your administritive rights,and disabled certain very much needed utilities.Firstly as previously mentioned by Dustin, Try going into Control Panel ( if it will let you) run add/remove programs, and uninstall the program you think caused the problem, also uninstall service pack 3. reboot and see if that sorts it out. Failing that run a full virus/spyware/malware scan. And if that fails I think your only option would be to format and re-install windows. For future reference, I would suggest using a backup program that enables you to do a "snapshot" of your entire boot/root drive ( Usually C:\) for this, from first hand experience I would opt for the free version of Macrium Reflect. this can be obtained here............... http://www.macrium.com/ Download the "trial" version and install it, it will ask you to register, do this and they will immediately send you a product key, enter the key and the program will install. Go through the "wizard" and create a FULL IMAGE of your C:\ drive, the program will also ask for your installation cd/dvd and a blank dvd-r/dvd+r so it can create a recovery dvd/cd. It will then make a boot disk. Then if you have any more similar problems, simply boot from the recovery disk follow the very simple on screen wizard and it will put your computer back to the EXACT state it was before the crash. you shold then run this back-up utility about once a month. In fact, to be honest I find this free program far superior to both Acronis true image and Genie backup manager. I own both all three of them and Macrium is by far the easiest. regards Gandalf the Wizard MCDST, MCSA, MCSE, MCPD, CCNA
Guest Phisherman Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! On Fri, 8 Aug 2008 10:43:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: > >"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >news:8q5n945ejrtrdh79vbo386rejuki7k9emi@4ax.com... >> On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:21:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" >> <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: >> >>> >>>"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >>>news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... >>>> An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I >>>> attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get >>>> >>>> "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on >>>> this computer, Please contact your administrator. " >>>> >>>> Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is >>>> Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but >>>> it doesn't recognize the administration password. >>>> >>>> When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before >>>> playing. >>>> >>>> Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will >>>> play an non copy-protected movie. >>>> >>>> Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it >>>> came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full >>>> sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated >>>> definitions and no items were found. >>>> >>>> When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was >>>> running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any >>>> changes made. >>>> >>>> I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA >>> >>>What exactly do you mean with "roll back the registry"? Using System >>>Restore? If yes, go back two or three days! >>> >> >> >> After attempting System Restore >> >> "Your Computer cannot be restored to >> >> 8-1-2008 >> System Checkpoint >> >> No Changes have been made to your computer..." >> >> >> I tried other dates but got the same response. Help! > >You write "Windows XP reported that there have not been any changes >made." I think your interpretation of the System Restore messages is >incorrect. When it said "Your computer cannot be restorerd to . . ." it >meant that the System Restore tool failed for some reason. You can >try a manual system restore as per this KB Article: >http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545 > I booted from the Windows CD and pressed option "R" as stated per KB307545. It prompted me for the administration password which it did not accept (but I know it is). Can malicious software change administration privileges or alter a password? I tried again without a password (pressing Enter). Will Windows run the Recovery Console without administration privileges? Or, how can I get administration privileges back?
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: XP messed up - help! "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message news:oteo9414g33tiek3pmhsdl8aodhbpbnjnr@4ax.com... > On Fri, 8 Aug 2008 10:43:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" > <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: > >> >>"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >>news:8q5n945ejrtrdh79vbo386rejuki7k9emi@4ax.com... >>> On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:21:30 +0200, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" >>> <I.can@fly.com.oz> wrote: >>> >>>> >>>>"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message >>>>news:9qkm945d6bevrl3qh1o5aaf35amlr4cdk7@4ax.com... >>>>> An install crashed in the middle and now my PC is messed up. When I >>>>> attempt to run certain programs like deleting Internet history I get >>>>> >>>>> "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on >>>>> this computer, Please contact your administrator. " >>>>> >>>>> Also, several icons in the Control Panel are missing. One is >>>>> Add/Remove Programs. I tried to "Switch Users" to Administration but >>>>> it doesn't recognize the administration password. >>>>> >>>>> When I attempted to play an mp3 file, it downloaded a Codex before >>>>> playing. >>>>> >>>>> Media Player 11 won't play an original DVD movie anymore, but it will >>>>> play an non copy-protected movie. >>>>> >>>>> Webroot Spysweeper reported "Spector Pro," and I deleted it but it >>>>> came back. After several attempts it did not return. I ran full >>>>> sweeps of AdAware, Spybot, Webroot Spysweeper, and Avast with updated >>>>> definitions and no items were found. >>>>> >>>>> When I tried to roll-back the registry to yesterday (everything was >>>>> running fine then), Windows XP reported that there have not been any >>>>> changes made. >>>>> >>>>> I am running with Windows service pack 3. What should I try next? TIA >>>> >>>>What exactly do you mean with "roll back the registry"? Using System >>>>Restore? If yes, go back two or three days! >>>> >>> >>> >>> After attempting System Restore >>> >>> "Your Computer cannot be restored to >>> >>> 8-1-2008 >>> System Checkpoint >>> >>> No Changes have been made to your computer..." >>> >>> >>> I tried other dates but got the same response. Help! >> >>You write "Windows XP reported that there have not been any changes >>made." I think your interpretation of the System Restore messages is >>incorrect. When it said "Your computer cannot be restorerd to . . ." it >>meant that the System Restore tool failed for some reason. You can >>try a manual system restore as per this KB Article: >>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545 >> > > I booted from the Windows CD and pressed option "R" as stated per > KB307545. It prompted me for the administration password which it did > not accept (but I know it is). Can malicious software change > administration privileges or alter a password? I tried again without > a password (pressing Enter). Will Windows run the Recovery Console > without administration privileges? Or, how can I get administration > privileges back? It's this VFAQ: How to reset the Administrator's password - http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html
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