Malware infestation and c000021a error.....

Hi. Thanks in advance for the help. I want to warn you by saying that I am not real proficient when it comes to acronyms, computer-jargon, etc. So, please bear that in mind, OK?

My CPU (I know that acronym) is/was infected with the Malware 2008 bug (or whatever it's called). After looking at some of your forums here, I decided that, due to my lack of expertise/knowledge, it would be easier to just rebuild the thing and reinstall XP. Before I did that I wanted to back up a few files. When I tried to do so, however, I noticed that all my USB ports had "disappeared". So, I decided to contact the forum and explain my problem.

To prep my unit, I downloaded HijackThis and I downloaded and used "Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware" . It discovered 28 infections, removed them , but then I was asked (I am reasonably sure by that program) to reboot so it could rid my system of six or seven remaining infections. After doing so, however, I got a system 21a error and Windows won't load.....

What should I do now? I would still like to back-up a few things, but if I am looking at a huge, involved process, I may just want to start over now and reload the XP...thoughts? Ideas?

P.S. I am on my lap top at work....

Thanks again. I appreciate any help or advice you can give me......

 

Restore the computer to the Last known good configuration

If the previous steps in this article do not resolve the problem, start the computer by using the last known good configuration. To start the computer by using the last known good configuration, follow these steps:Note Because there are several versions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your computer. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
1.Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
2.Click Restart, and then click OK.
3.Press F8 at the indicated time:
•For an x86-based computer: When a screen of text appears and then disappears , press F8. (The screen of text may include a memory test, lines about the BIOS, and other lines.) There may also be a prompt that tells you when to press F8.
•For an Itanium architecture-based computer: After you make your selection from the boot menu, press F8. There may be a prompt that tells you when to press F8.
4.Use the arrow keys to select Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER.

NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.

5.Use the arrow keys to highlight an operating system, and then press ENTER.

Notes
•Choosing the Last Known Good Configuration startup option provides a way to recover from problems such as a newly added driver that may be incorrect for your hardware. However, it does not solve problems that are caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files.
•When you choose the Last Known Good Configuration option, only the information in registry key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet is restored. Any changes you have made in other registry keys remain.

Skip using MBAM and continue with the rest of the steps

 

Hi and thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, that didn't work. I still get the fatal error message. Also, I am pretty sure that when this began I did set up a "last known..." setting. So....what now?

Thanks again. I appreciate the help and the efforts.

 

2 questions:

Can you boot to Safe Mode?

Is GoBack installed?

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I can boot to safe mode... (F8 on start up, right?). But, I don't have GoBack.

Thanks again.

 

This error can also be caused by a missing/corrupt driver.

Boot to Safe Mode and locate the MBAM scan log. Attach that log if present.

 

I'm sorry, but I can't find the MBAM log you refer to....where is it exactly. I am computer-illiterate and I apologize. I do appreciate you trying to help me.

BTW, I tried to reload my XP reinstall disk, but the computer does not see the CD driver and the install fails...

Thanks again.

 

Look in Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\Logs for the log.

If you can't find the log, then there is no way to know if a driver was removed that shouldn't have been removed.

The CD drive isn't recognized by the Windows installer, when you boot from the drive?

 

The CD drive isn't recognized by the Windows installer, when you boot from the drive?

Correct.

 

Sounds, like the CD Drive is going bad. Windows includes a set of drivers for the common CD Drives and if it fails to detect the drive when booting from the CD and loading Windows; then the drive itself is bad.