Lost various windows services

[gmackinnon]

Hello , just joined up.

 

Since I installed System Mechanic Pro I have had several problems ( also got infected with malware )

Also used Reg Cure and have tried a few other utilities.

Probably tweaked too many things.

 

Using Windows XP Home on Dell Inspiron laptop.

 

The following windows services do not work

Help and Support

System Restore

Disc Cleanup

Defragment tool

Cannot run msconfig from Start button

 

Computer running fine apart from these niggly problems , using other tools for defrag and cleanup.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hello Gmackinnon

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

 

 

Probably tweaked too many things.

I cannot disagree with your statement as sometimes running registry cleaners can be the worst thing you can do.

 

I think you need to do a repair on the system and get the reg back to normal.

 

Have a look here for how to do so.

 

How to perform an XP repair install

[RandyL]

Hi gmackinnon;

Getting locked out of system files like msconfig, regedit and control panel and control panel programs is a sure sign your still infested. This can be fixed if the registry tools you used didn't do any harm.

 

Use System Restore to revert if you think you did more harm then good.

 

Most likely the two main culprits are WINAVXX and Smitfraud. In any case you'll need to do a thorough cleaning first. I'll list what I used.

 

Then turn off System Restore to clear it.

 

Next delete ALL your temporary internet files.

You can use CCleaner for this if you want.

 

Antivirus-Update and do a complete scan. I suggest Avast for free if you don't have one.

Spyware/Adware-Use Spybot S&D, AdAware and SuperAntiSpyware.

 

Next run ComboFix.

Then ATF Cleaner.

Then CureIt.

For good measure also run CWShredder.

 

Turn System Restore back on.

 

Try these first. Let us know how it goes or if you have any trouble finding and using these programs;

RandyL

[RandyL]

Sorry gmackinnon;

It was pointed out to me that I missed the fact you are disabled from using System Restore.

 

I would still try cleaning with those programs. If it works and you can get into System Restore disable it and re-enable it to clear it so the malware can't come back from there;

RandyL

[RandyL]

Here are the links to the programs I sugessted.

 

CCleaner

http://www.ccleaner.com/

 

Avast free edition

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

 

Spybot S&D

http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

 

AdAware 2007 free

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

 

SUPERAntiSpyware

http://www.superantispyware.com/

 

Combofix (direct download link)

http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/Beta/ComboFix.exe

 

ATF-Cleaner

http://www.atribune.org/content/view/19/2/

 

Cure It

http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/

 

CWShredder

http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products/personal/CWShredder/index.html

[DSTM]

Hi RandyL,Just a little concerned that you recommended CCleaner. CCleaner is pretty savage on the registry if one is not experienced in knowing what to tick and what not to.I had to reinstall windows because of this Registry Cleaner. There are many warnings on the net,advising not to use CCleaner,unless you know what one is doing. Maybe an alternative might be the way to go.

[RandyL]

Hi DSTM;

The free version has less options but you still make a good point.

 

I suggest just using the free version and the Cleaner tab on the top left.

The next one down deals with the registry (Issues). DON'T USE THIS unless you know what you are doing.

 

You are right that this program can be used wrong. And always backup the registry when dealing with such.

 

A safer program might be 12ghosts wash LE. LE edition is free but I use the full program.

http://downloads.cnet.co.uk/0,39100207,39181121s,00.htm

 

In conclusion heed DSTM's warning on this program or any other program that deals with registry cleaning options.

 

Thanks DSTM for the warning.

[Seth]

If malware has disabled XP functions, this tool can be used after the disinfection:

 

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm

 

SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) also has similar repair functions.

[gmackinnon]

Thanks for your prompt advice.

 

I have regained use of windows disc cleanup and defragmenter tools.

Your suggested software picked up a few items that AVG anti spyware and Avast anti virus missed.

Dr Web Cureit seems to be very good at spotting suspect stuff.

 

I have checked the Windows site and have installed Windows Defender which keeps finding SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack.

 

Still working on system restore points going missing and access to Help and support from start menu.

[RandyL]

Check this link and see if it applies to your Help problem.

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startmenuhelp.htm

 

RandyL

[RandyL]

Hi again;

Also try running Spybot, Adaware, SuperAntiSpyware and your antivirus program from Safe Mode.

 

Maybe a complete scan and removal from Housecall will help too. Here is the link.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

 

Keep in mind that if you can access System Restore you will want to turn it off, then on to clear it so the bugs don't come back from there.

 

RandyL