Explorer.exe Application Error

Help,

I am trying to start the computer and I get the following:
Explorer.exe - Application Error
The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005)

I believe that we have downloaded a virus. I am not able to get past the wallpaper screen. I can only get to Task Manager.

I am looking for some help.

Thanks....

 

Are you using Windows XP? If so,

Press CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up Task Manager. And click File, New Task (Run..) and enter regedit and click OK. This will run the registry editor. Now look for the below registry keys (navigate thru the registry). For now, just let us know if you find them.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\iexplorer.exe

Steve

 

Steve,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I am using Windows XP and I did not find those files in the Registry Editor.

Jim

 

OK, that's good. I was taking a long shot there, that is becoming a pretty common error it seems with no clear-cut solution that I know.

I'll keep checking and hopefully you will get some other replies/ideas.

Steve

 

Hey Jim,

Just to check another possibilty, look for this key using the same method.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RPCKDM

Steve

 

Steve,

You seem to be on to something. It's not there either.

Jim

 

No, I wish I was. If any of those keys were present we would have a pretty good idea of what's wrong and have you remove them.

Wait for some other suggestions to try. Maybe we can get it figured out.

Steve

 

Are you using Norton CleanSweep?

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;873155&Product=windowsxpsp2


Some others have had the problem occur after using Spybot, though I find Spybot to be a benign program using its default settings.

 

No, I got rid of Norton a while ago. I have been using Panda Antivirus, but removed it two weeks ago because of other conflicts. I think the fact that I did not have any antivirus software caused my kids to download a virus.

 

Hey,

Anybody else have any ideas before I have to spend the cash to get it fixed???

Thanks...

 

Jim,

Just a few things you might try while waiting for other suggestions. Doing some checking this could be spyware related, I would try to run some type of scans if possible.

Try reinstalling Panda Antivirus on the machine and see if it finds anything.

AND

I know the guy's in the Spyware Forum have ran across the no desktop issues before but manage to help you run a few things that could find the malware. I would try the steps listed in the link below, if you can't get anywhere or perform anything just start a thread there and explain the problem.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

That's just a few thoughts. Also, do you have the XP CD and do you remember ever setting a restore point for that machine?

Steve

 

Steve,

Thanks, I will try some of your recomendations, however I do not know how to get to the internet from Task Manager. I also believe that it is spyware related.

I tried to do a system restore but it looks like the malware has wiped out my previous restore points. I do have the CD but it is not the SP2 version.

Jim

 

Is the computer hooked up to DSL or Cable?

Steve

 

You must have got offline when I was posting, you were there then gone.

If you are using DSL or Cable try the steps below:

1. Using Task Manager > File > New Task (Run...)

2. Type: ftp://ftp.f-secure.com/anti-virus/tools/shellfix.reg

3. Click Ok and it will prompt to download shellfix.reg file

4. Click "Run" file. Do not save it on your desktop, or anywhere on the computer.

5. After it runs, reboot your computer.

Steve

 

The first reponse asks am I sure you want to add the information to the registry. I chose Yes and then I get an error. Cannot import the file, error in opening the file. They may be a disk or file system error

 

Yes, I am able to get into safe mode

 

Presently I am only able to use Task Manager. I do not have full control. I do have the Dell restore CD from Dell but I would prefer to use it as last resort!!

 

One other thing you might try in safe mode is starting the System Restore tool at a command prompt there, see if it makes any difference.

Type the following command at the command prompt, and then press ENTER:

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

I don't hold much hope in it but worth a try. Halo may have some other ideas but I would consider using the Restore CD.

Steve