White Screen, Is This malware or User Incompetence?

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by Cleokatrah, May 21, 2013.

  1. Cleokatrah

    Cleokatrah Private E-2

    I am not sure whether this is Malware or something else. When I start my laptop, it boots up normally until it loads the desktop. Then the screen goes white and I lose all mouse (no pointer) and keyboard function. This also occurs in safe mode.

    I did have a problem, roughly a year ago, where a friend of mine unknowingly downloaded the Windows Defender virus. I got rid of it right away but my laptop has been a bit sluggish since then. I'm not sure if the virus and the sluggishness are related but it might be noteworthy here. Otherwise, I've had no problems. I use my laptop mostly for email and forum following.

    I do not have a boot disk but I do have access to another pc. Thanks in advance for the help!
     
  2. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    One item you always need to mention is, what version of Windows is being used. ;)
     
  3. Cleokatrah

    Cleokatrah Private E-2

    LMAO. To my credit, I was trying to type faster than the one year old on my lap could mess me up. I guess you could say she won that battle :)

    I unfortunately have Windws Vista, which I hate. I think it is the 64 bit version but I am only 80% sure. The rest of the specs I'm uncertain about but it is an older Gateway.

    Thanks!
     
  4. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Well let's hope they installed the advanced boot options so that you can do the below. Otherwise you will need a Vista Boot DVD.

    Please do the below so that we can boot to System Recovery Options to run a scan.

    For 32-bit (x86) systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to a flash drive.
    For 64-bit (x64) systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 and save it to a flash drive.

    Plug the flashdrive into the infected PC.

    Enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:
    • Restart the computer.
    • As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
    • Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
    • Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
    • Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
    • Select your user account an click Next.

    On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:
    • Select Command Prompt
    • In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.
    • The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
    • Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
    • In the command window type e:\frst.exe (for x64 bit version type e:\frst64) and press Enter
      Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.
    • The tool will start to run.
    • When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
    • Press Scan button.
    • It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please attach this file to your next reply. (See: How to attach)
     

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