Something kills open programs and windows before I can use them

I have run into an issue where any window that is opened (IE; regedit, msconfig, anti-virus software installer) will be closed automatically before anything useful can be done with that program.

Sometimes I can sidestep this by booting into safe mode and disabling all the trash applications being launched in startup, but other times this does not help. do you guys know of any specific malware app or virus which can trigger this kind of behavior on a windows machine?

AVG won't run in safe mode, so scanning in safe mode is out. any ideas?

 

well start by booting safemode with networking and goto networkassociates website and download the stinger utility and scan for viruses. it should work in safe mode. or you might even go into regedit and clear out the startup programs so nothing starts at bootup. I can detail where that is if you like.

 

OK, I did that. It found and removed two viruses. I also removed Network Services manager from the registry RUN section, but I still get the same symptoms. What a pain in the ass.

Any other idears?

thanks for your help!

 

UPDATE:

I got it fixed. I also had to delete the registry key for netsvc.exe from the RunServices section while in safe mode, as well as find and delete the netsvc.exe file from the System32 directory on the hard drive. I rebooted and now my anti-virus works and my windows and apps don't close by themselves.

WOOT!

Thanks again for your input.

 

Sorry for the delay at returning, takes me an hour to get home from work.
I'm glad I was able to help