Xp stuck in log in/log off cycle

[marisa_c]

Hi All,

 

Having a very bad time trying to get rid of a virus which has changed my registry (I think). I've followed some instructions on various boards but nothing seems to help.

 

Basically, HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon Shell is pointing to k start cmd.exe instead of explorer.exe. I've changed it twice, however everytime I log back on it reverts back to k start... etc.

 

Can anyone help?!! Please!!

 

MxCx

[chiaz]

Hi MxCx,

 

A few things before we start....

1. Please Read All Instructions Carefully.

2. If you don't understand something, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.

3. Please do not run any other tools or scans whilst I am helping you.

4. If you have to go away for an extended period of time, let me know.

5. Please continue to respond until I give you the "All Clear".

(Just because you can't see a problem doesn't mean it isn't there)

 

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware by clicking the link below:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Reviews and free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware downloads at Download.com

 

Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

 

* Make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.

* If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.

* Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan.

* The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.

* When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.

* Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.

* When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart.(See Extra Note)

* The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.

* You'll be required to post the contents of this log later.

 

Please Note:

If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove,you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts,click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process,if asked to restart the computer,please do so immediately.

 

 

 

Next let's have you download ComboFix.exe. Please visit this webpage for downloading and instructions for running the tool:

 

Go here ======> A guide and tutorial on using ComboFix <====== Go here

 

Please ensure you read this guide carefully and install the Recovery Console first.This applies to XP Pro and XP Home users only.If you have SP3 installed you will need to use the download meant for SP2.

 

The Windows Recovery Console will allow you to boot up into a special recovery (repair) mode. This allows us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware. It is a simple procedure that will only take a few moments of your time.

 

Once installed, you should get a prompt that says:

 

The Recovery Console was successfully installed.

 

Please continue as follows:

 

(1) Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

(2) Click Yes to allow ComboFix to continue scanning for malware.

 

When the tool is finished, it will produce a report for you.

 

 

Please include the MBAM log along with C:\ComboFix.txt for further review, so that we may continue cleansing the system.

 

 

Caution: Never run and remove files with Combofix unless supervised by a qualified security analyst who is experienced in the use of Combofix. Misuse can cause serious computer problems.

[marisa_c]

Hi, thanks so much for replying, but unfortunately I cannot even get into windows - it just logs out. This means I cant open IE or download anything. :(

[chiaz]

That does make things trickier. Can you boot to Safe Mode?

 

Here's how:

Getting into Windows Safe Mode

[RandyL]

How do you know that key is being changed and how do you manage to change it back if you can't get into Windows?

 

Exactly what happens and when as you try booting and getting into Windows.

 

Hopefully chiazs suggestion about safemode will work.