My Computer is empty.

When I go to my computer thro from the start menu, it is empty, all the icons
have disappeared, & the computer is searching, but doenst find anything.

Also I cannot enter anything into the address bar for internet explorer, nor
can I use the arrow in drop down menu from any programs, eg saving or opening
a file in word.

All of these problems occured at the same time, after I downloaded some
emails. Could these be caused by a virus; if so what next?!!

Many Thanks

Yes, it could. What next, well, start by making sure your antivirus
software is up to date and scan your system for viruses.

Also, check for malware, download, install and run Ad Awa
www.lavasoftusa.com.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Anne" wrote in message
...
When I go to my computer thro from the start menu, it is empty, all the
icons
have disappeared, & the computer is searching, but doenst find anything.

Also I cannot enter anything into the address bar for internet explorer,
nor
can I use the arrow in drop down menu from any programs, eg saving or
opening
a file in word.

All of these problems occured at the same time, after I downloaded some
emails. Could these be caused by a virus; if so what next?!!

Many Thanks

Hi ...If you have an Anti-Virus Program which is fairly new ( mostly under a
year )and you are sure that you are still recieving update definitions ?
Then update yours now ....
Then afterward download a few programs , Like these here below

first one is Ad aware ( free Version )

http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

Start up this program , What you need to get is the most latest update for
it ,run JUST the "updated" option and afterward close the program for later
use ...

Next program Spybot Search and Destroy ( Free )

http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html

Next Program SpywareBlaster ( Free )

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

Okay now perform this operation from this website below

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405

Okay this is next to perform below :

Click Start. Open My Computer. Select the Tools menu and click Folder
Options. Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and
folders. Uncheck the Hide protected
operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE WARNING POP UP WINDOW THIS IS NORMAL , just click yes

Now its time to start your computer in Safe Mode
How to start up in safe mode , there is 2 ways in doing so , just choice one
method only ... Look at this website below

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru...orial=61#winxo

Okay once in safe mode do the following : Clear out the Temporary internet
files and other temp files.
Go to Start Settings Control Panel Internet Options.
Under the General tab click the Delete temporary internet files,
delete all Offline content as well. Clear out Cookies ... Now close
eveything and be back at your desktop

Now click the start buttom then the Search/Find option click Files or
folders in the named box, type: *.tmp , click search and choose Edit
select all - File delete.

Empty/delete the entire contents of the C:\Windows\temp folder and C:\temp
folder, (Contents only but not the folder itself.)

This one too if it is there C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local
Settings\Temp\
Delete the recycling bin ...

Now start up Ad Aware and just basically perform the options its set at for
now ... And remove whatever it finds ...
Start spybor search and destory and do the same with this program
Also with the spyware blaster , just clean what it finds ....

Now use your Anti - Virus Program and run it and see what it finds ...If
your anti-virus finds anything try the repair option first, if that can't be
done then delete the file...
Now restart your computer back to normal mode and reset the setting back
too...Once your computer is up and running do the following :
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
and this next :
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../xpsysrst.mspx
Okay after all that was done and you want to be sure its clean go to these
anti virus scan sites and do the scan from each site if you like

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

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://www.pandasoftware.com/active...n_principal.htm

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

Now My info is provided as is , which basically means I am not responsible
for any action that you perform from my advise ... A good method would be
that you would
research for yourself before you take any advise , you are the one
ultimately responsible for your actions

R.R. BeepBeep


"Anne" wrote in message
...
When I go to my computer thro from the start menu, it is empty, all the
icons
have disappeared, & the computer is searching, but doenst find anything.

Also I cannot enter anything into the address bar for internet explorer,
nor
can I use the arrow in drop down menu from any programs, eg saving or
opening
a file in word.

All of these problems occured at the same time, after I downloaded some
emails. Could these be caused by a virus; if so what next?!!

Many Thanks