System folders moved...?

Hi. This morning when I started up my computer, I found my systems folders had moved to my desktop for some weird reason.

Last week, my computer would not boot up. Not even into safe mode. So I unplugged my computer and let it sit overnight. The following morning, I was able to do a system repair and then start up was really really slow, lingering on a black page for about 10 minutes before moving onto my desktop. I ran Avast! and it found 38 infected files that were labeled "rootkit" and they were removed. Since then, though, my computer has gotten the blue screen of death twice.

I posted in the malware section of this forum for help, but I'm told my computer is free of malware. My computer is still acting strange though. During start up, it lingers a long time on the "starting windows" screen. Today I found my system folders moved to my desktop. So here I am.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

What exactly do you mean by "systems folders"?

Under the Windows folder there are

• system
• system32
• syswow64 (if you are on a 64-bit system)

I don't think Windows could start if any of these were moved elsewhere...

 

Hi. The folders that were created on my desktop were not there before.

The icons are named "Computer" with "system folder" text underneath that, and "Clare" with "system folder" text underneath that...

I attached a snapshot of it.

Thanks.

 

Did you by any chance run Rogue Killer?
No folders have moved, you're just seeing the Desktop link to Computer and Documents.

 

Hi. Yes, I ran rogue killer. Is that what could have caused it?

 

Yes, Rogue Killer detects them as a desktop hijack, so if you let it fix the detections then those shortcuts will appear on the desktop.

To remove the shortcuts, there's a few ways to do it.
Right click on the desktop and select 'Personalize'.
Up towards the top left you'll see 'Change desktop icons'', click on that and 'Desktop Icon Settings' will open.
Uncheck 'Computer' and 'User's Files'

 

Ah, okay. Got it. Thanks!

But since my virus issue, my laptop has been starting up very slowly, even though the malware section of this forum has assured me I am malware free. Any input? Thanks.

 

Are you still getting the occasional BSOD? If so, then zip any recent dumps from the Windows\Minidump directory.

Also try running the System File Checker.
Open the Start Menu and type cmd where it says Search programs and files.
Right click on cmd.exe and 'Run as administrator'
At the Command Prompt type in sfc /scannow then press Enter.

Cross your fingers for good luck.