XPSP3: All shortcuts broken, certain processes won't start, address bar missing

Hello,

I'm running 32-bit XPSP3, and am going through the process of trying to remove whatever malware is causing the symptoms in the subject:

- All shortcuts are broken on the desktop
- All shortcuts are missing from the start menu -> Programs sub-menu,
- Norton Ghost will not start
- The Windows Explorer Address Bar is missing

Following the READ ME FIRST thread, this is where I'm at thus far:

Step 1:
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Since I've been trying to fix this for a while and know that .exe files won't run otherwise, I ran rkill from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/. Otherwise I'm dead in the water.
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Step 2:
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Attempt 1 to run c:\Documents and Settings\ben\Desktop\RogueKiller.exe successfully completed. The log file is attached.
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Step 3:
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Attempt 1 to run the downloaded c:\malware_tools\mb.exe, I get the error message:

"CoCreateInstance failed; code 0x80040154. Class not registered." 5 times, each time with an OK button. I click the OK button each time, and then check both boxes for launching and updating malwarebytes.

I then get:

"Run-time error '372':

Failed to load control 'WebBrowser' from ieframe.dll. Your version of ieframe.dll may be outdated. Make sure you are using the version of the control that was provided with your application."

I click OK and get that message again. Then the install dialog closes and the program does not get installed.
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Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Ok, sorry for the lack of documentation. On http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 , this is what I have done:

Step 1
- I have read the forum rules and guidelines
- I'm not just having browsing problems
- I can connect to the Internet
- I'm not having slow PC problems

Step 2
- I have no anti-virus programs installed (I had tried AVG, but it found nothing)
- Windows Firewall is the only software firewall

Step 3
- I have 32-bit windows XP
- Show hidden files and folders is enabled

Step 4
- I don't believe that I have any disk emulation software installed, but downloaded and ran Defogger from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/defogger/dl/8/ just to be sure.

Step 5
I skipped running CCleaner as I am missing "items from your Star Menu, from All Programs....etc." When I take a second look though, I am only missing items for malware removal tools I recently tried installing. My other previous shortcuts are there, but none of them work. The only way I can get programs to run is to go to start -> run, run explorer and browse to the .exe (address bar still missing in windows explorer).

I then went here:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=139313

- Spybot is not installed.

I successfully downloaded all the software and saved it to the recommended places.

Step 2:
- I successfully ran c:\Documents and Settings\ben\Desktop\RogueKiller.exe . It found 4 things. The log file is attached.

- I attempted to run the malwarebytes installer, which I initially downloaded and renamed to c:\malware_tools\mb.exe . When I do, I get the error message:
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"CoCreateInstance failed; code 0x80040154. Class not registered."
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5 times, each time with an OK button. I click the OK button each time, and then check both boxes for launching and updating malwarebytes.

I then get:
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"Run-time error '372':

Failed to load control 'WebBrowser' from ieframe.dll. Your version of ieframe.dll may ne outdated. Make sure you are using the version of the control that was provided with your application.
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I click OK and get that message again, to which I click OK to a second time. Then the install dialog closes and the program does not get installed.

- I was able to run TDSSKiller and got the "no threats found" screen.

- I followed the directions for HitmanPro on http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=260397, which found 5 threats. I attached the log file.

- I'm not sure what "User Account Control" or "UAC" is in http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=137630 . I couldn't find either of those phrases in http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 , or any of the other threads. I did run MGTools as described.

- I am still having the problems I initially described, and have attached the corresponding log files.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Cool, thanks for the help. I was able to fix the other problems on my own.