Browser Won't Open On Xp

My desktop computer was running fine and all of a sudden it developed problems. I can't get a browser to open. I ran CCleaner, Malwarebytes, and Avast, and nothing was found. Where do I go from here? Any suggestions are appreciated. I'm running Windows XP on an old Dell desktop. Thanks, Ed

 

Not giving the XP lecture...

 

Which browser are you using?

 

I'm using Chrome mostly, but also Firefox, and even Avast Safe Search. Right now I'm having lots of problems and am a bit overwhelmed, but my first problem is that I see AVG Secure Search running a bunch of times in the task manager processes. I got rid of AVG a long time ago. No AVG programs or tool bars show up on the programs list. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of these AVG processes. I'm thinking I might have a virus or malware and just need to go to the malware section.....but right now I'm having a tough time even getting a browser to work. The last time I booted up my computer, the Safe Search browser was GONE :-/ Yes I realize this is an old computer, and it's not the only one I use, but has served me well, and if it's messed up, I like to get it running smooth again. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Ed

 

Run the AVG removal tool - http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/avg_remover.html

 

Thanks for suggesting the uninstall of Avast, and Malwarebytes. It really helped, the browsers work well now. After rebooting I reinstalled Avast. I haven't reinstalled Malwarebytes yet, and was wondering if Avast is also a decent anti-malware program. Avast claims it is , but I'm not so sure. Thoughts? Should I reinstall Malwarebytes?

Now for the AVG stuff. I ran just about every AVG removal tool there is, but AVG-Secure-Search stuff is still showing up as running at least eleven different processes. I attached a screen shot of my processes. Should I even worry about it? It would be nice to get rid of them. I stopped them all individually once, but they came right back.

oops sorry, pic is in wrong place.

Thanks, Ed

 

Sorry, I don't understand what you are saying?

 

I'll see if Autoruns shows the source of all the AVG processes.

• Download Autoruns - http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsoft_autoruns.html
• Extract the content of the zip file to its own folder then run autoruns.exe
• When it has finished running, goto File - Save and save the *.arn file.
• Zip the *.arn file and attach to your post.

 

I ran the program, and saved the file and zipped it.

 

Unfortunately, Autoruns is showing no sign of AVG-Secure-Search.

 

Here are the instructions how to uninstall AVG Secure Search.
https://support.avg.com/SupportArti...ure-Search-from-your-browser&supportType=home

 

I'm past that step. AVG in any shape or fashion doesn't show up in my programs list. I already ran all the removal programs. This junk is still stuck in there somewhere........guess I'll just keep researching it. FWIW it's not slowing the computer any that I can detect, just ticks me off that AVG can stick that crap in there.

 

I'm not sure whether it's been made entirely clear that Avast acquired AVG about a year ago and I guess that they have been working since then to unify the two products. So I think it's highly likely that the AVG processes you are seeing are being launched by Avast, and if you remove Avast they will disappear too. If you can satisfy yourself about that you can stop winding yourself up about it.

 

Wound up? hahaha lol, hardly. I was wound up when I couldn't open a browser, but not now. But thanks for the info about Avast owning AVG. So they own avg and ccleaner too. Nice. No problemo. I said in my last post that the AVG Secure Search wasn't slowing me down any, so not worth getting stoked about, I agree.