Folder Opened and Displayed at Start-Up

Hello.
The last few times that I have opened up Windows XP Professional, the System 32 Folder immediately opens and displays its contents, even before the anti-virus software prompts for the password to access the internet on the computer. I find this very strange and until two days ago did not have this problem. Because of recent problems that necessitated me installing a new hard drive, and having to install everything as a result, I am concerned if this may be some software issue similar to spyware or some other problem I should immediately correct.

I was not sure if this was the appropriate board in which to ask this question. Please let me know what this sounds like and how I can resolve the issue. Thank you as always for your assistance.

 

Hello Halo,
Thank you for directing me to the support page which accurately describes the problem I am having. Unfortunately, I have not worked with the Registry Editor before and really don't want to cause any other problems. Being that this was a clean install, is it possible that the error was already existing on the OS CD that came with the computer? And how exactly do you access the Registry Editor? By doing so, I could at least determine if what the bulletin says may exist and then I could attempt to correct it. Thank you for the assistance.

 

No, this can't happen from the OS CD, it's caused by your Registry becoming corrupted.

To enter the Registry, go to Start, run and type in regedit then click OK.

Create a Restore Point and/or back up the Registry key before you edit it.

 

Hello Insomniac,
Thank you for the explanation. I was able to enter the Registry Editor, but could not find any error as described in the System 32 bulletin linked by Halo. The values in the keys did not appear to contain any incorrect, incomplete, or null entries (such as ""). Some strings were inside the quotation marks ("), but nothing appeared incorrect. Of course, like I said, I have not worked with Registry Editor before. I did not make any changes. Can you tell me if there is something I should specifically be looking at? I can try this again.

 

I'm sure you did it correct, and it's pretty straight forward.

An easier way if you aren't comfortable is to use this Registry script.

Download THIS file to your desktop, then double-click on it, and if it asks you, say YES. (If your Antivirus warns you of a malicious script, this is normal)

This will correct any corrupt Registry entries.

If this doesn't work, you will need to look elsewhere.

HERE is some more information which suggests the culprit may be in your startup list or even a virus.

Try going to Start, run and type in msconfig and check the startup tab.

If you are unsure, post the contents or screenshot here and someone will look at it for you.

 

Hello Insomniac,
I tried deactivating all the scripts that contained a double " in them, but that did not work. After that, I downloaded the Registry Correction File which you linked, and that completely solved the problem! Thank you so much.

 

You're welcome, I'm glad it worked.