My desktop icons stopped working for a period of time.

Good Evening,

Earlier today my desktop icons stopped working. It happened without any warning or strange behavior from the rest of my computer. My Internet Explorer still worked and my programs still worked, but I had to access my computer programs through the start menu to get them opened.

The desktop icons did not give any error messages; they simply did not highlight and would not allow me to select them. Having no luck in searching out information about this issue in a general Google search, I came to your website to follow the instructions on how to check for malware.

I found further computer problems when I tried to follow the instructions under the heading: READ & RUN ME FIRST Malware Removal Guide (incl. spyware, virus, trojan, hijacker). When I got to Step 3: Configuration & Setup I was not able to complete the steps for How to view hidden, system files & folders because I could not select Folder Options.

Try as I might, the computer acted just like it had with the icons; I could not highlight or select Folder Options but I could select the other choices under the Appearance and Personalization heading. Moreover, IE began locking up the Major Geeks website. I had to keep opening a fresh IE window in order to get back the your instructions.

Then, all of a sudden, as quickly as it started...it ended. The computer simply began responding and all went back to normal. Despite my relief, I was nervous and decided to continue through the entire process outlined in your instructions to see if what had happened was caused by any malware, even though I was no longer experiencing trouble.

I hope that you won't be frustrated by the fact that I am asking for help in investigating a problem that no longer exists. I simply don't know what caused the strange episode in the first place and I would appreciate someone knowledgeable checking my logs to see if something else needs to be done for my computer.

I have attached 3 of the 5 logs I believe you want. I cannot seem to figure out how to attach a TDSSKiller log, as I can't find one. The program states: No threats found; Duration 00:00:23; Processed: 418 objects, details; Found: 0 threats; Neutralized: 0 threats; Quarantined: 0 threats and when I clicked on details (hoping to find a log) the program provided a long list of Events (which all said OK) and coordinating Objects of various names but I still could not figure out how to provide a log.

I also can't figure out how to provide the MGlogs.zip There is lots of stuff in the black box/window that I have up on my computer screen but, right before the last statement about Hitting any key will close this command prompt, there is an ERROR REPORT that says: C:\MGlogs.zip failed to be created. Report this in your next message!

I am sorry that I might not have supplied all that you need. Hopefully this information will get you started and that you will be able to advise me on how to get you the remaining information that may be required. Thank you very much. By the way, my operating system is Windows 7, if that is pertinent.

 

Hello TimW,

I have done what you first ask and re-run Hitman following the instructions for deleting the malware it found; I am attaching a new log created after the steps were completed.

I was not successful in following you other instruction. I could not figure out how to "Open MGTools and click on the rezip.bat" because when I tried to open MGTools it would simply produce a window in which my only option was to select 'Run'.

I tried to double-click with my left mouse button which took me directly to the before mentioned window, and I also tried to right click on my mouse which allowed me to specifically select 'Open', but clicking 'Open' just took me back to the same window.

My husband and I, not knowing what else to do, finally selected 'Run' hoping that we would then find the rezip.bat that you wanted us to click. Unfortunately, we never figured out where to find the rezip.bat. I am sorry!

The MGTools did do something that I could tell was different than when I had run it previously; it stopped and gave me instructions regarding a window that popped up with information about SteelWerX WhoAmI and told me to press the Close Program button in that popped window in order to continue...which I did.

When the MGTools finally finished it gave the same ERROR REPORT at the end: C;\MGlogs.zip failed to be created. Report this in your next message! I am not sure what to do next. Please advise.

Thank you.

 

Hello TimW,

I'm sorry for the delay...I did not see your response come through.

I searched for the two names your provided. The first name produced a black command prompt window which ended with a message that stated: *** ReZiping complete - Your log file is C;\MGtools\MGlogsR.zip *** which was followed by the final message that hitting any key will close the window.

I searched under the above file name and 29 items but only 2 with today's date so I am hoping that one of them might be what you need and am going to try to upload each of them for you.

When I tried to search for the second name you provided 2 options were displayed but neither would do anything when they were selected but flash my computer screen; no windows would open and I could not determine what was happening when the screen flashed so I am not sure what else to do.

UPDATE: When I went to Manage Attachments and Upload the files for you to view I found a third item with today's date; I hope something within the small amount of info I am able to providing will prove helpful!

 

Hi TimW,

Even though the reason for my computer's strange behavior remains a mystery, I am comforted to hear that you do not see any type of malware. I am embarrassed to say, however, that I am having trouble following you last instructions; I don't seem to know how to uninstall RogueKiller and HitManPro.

When I go through my control panel and select options until I reach Uninstall or change a program, neither RogueKiller nor HitManPro show up on the program list. Both programs are still available to run on my desktop so I don't understand why they are not listed under Programs.

I am hoping that this confusion is something that you can easily help me to overcome and I will be able to complete all of your final instructions, fully, once I get past this point. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

 

Hi, again, TimW ~

Thank you for the quick response! I have now uninstalled RogueKiller and HitManPro, with your helpful instructions, but I have hit another barrier.

I have followed the steps for re-enabling the Disk Emulation but when I click "Yes" to continue, instead of getting the "Finished" message I get an error that says: Unable to open file.

I am sorry to be such a bother, but would you please help me figure out how to get beyond this point? :-o

 

Hi TimW,

I have no idea if I am running disk emulation software...I don't even know what that would be. I do know that when I followed the steps required to "Disable" I did not get any errors, so I am not sure why I am getting errors when trying to reverse the process. :confused

Sorry I can't give you more info! Can you still provide any assistance?

 

Good Afternoon, TimW ~

I finally made it through the rest of the steps you had outlined for me to follow.

The only one that I couldn't complete was #5 - Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis, as it was not there to remove.

I am hoping that, like the other troublesome steps that you said I could move past, going on to step #6 and #7 was not a problem.

Thank you for all of your time and your incredible patience with me. I sincerely appreciate your kindness and your help!