BleepingComputer.com: Click X's, But Won't Close. Also Blank Buttons

All of a sudden tonight, my computer won't close programs by clicking on the X. The _ line won't minimize, and the box won't expand.

Also, for some reason, *some* pop-up boxes have blank buttons. i.e. The OK/cancel buttons aren't labled.

I have restarted many times. Run virus software.
*For some reason, I can't get the scan disk to schedule a scan.*
I've searched the internet for someone else that is having the same problem, but apparently it's just me.

The only way to close programs is through task manager, or to use File - close when available, etc.

My mouse is working fine for all other functions.

Anybody got a solution?

First time I've heard of this. I have gotten error like this when installing a software. Maybe you installed something that gave you this. Check out any software or update that has recently been installed, or try a system restore to a previous date of this occurring, maybe that will fix this.

I once got no properties of my sceeen after installing Nvidia driver (I have XP) but this may be the thing...


Good luck, and keep us posted...



Mav

Well, if that's the case, then everyone beware. The last thing I did before this happend was try to install a critical update from the HP Total Care Advisor. The first time I tried it failed. It has since installed correctly, but my problem has not gone away. I really think it's the guilty program, because it's the only window I can close.

Still having trouble. Did a system restore but didn't fix the problem. I got an error message which said Error mouse properties C:/windows/cursor/AERO_up.cur File which contains the alternate select cursor is either missing or corrupt.

Think this is related? and if so know how to fix it? Any information would help.
Thanks

Do you download/install any "questionable" software? Typically, viruses and malware are the only types of software that routinely accomplish the type of thing that you've described. Try downloading NOD32 (the trial will work fine) and scanning your entire machine (and any attached storage devices) with the "Deep Scan" feature. I will be surprised if it's not virus-related.

I installed and ran NOD32 deep scan, and it didn't find anything. I've run Norton and Windows Defender, nothing. And the strange thing is I HAVEN'T downloaded anything suspicious lately. Only system and program updates. If it was a virus, restoring a system backup should have fixed it, right?

ganemede, on Sep 3 2007, 11:39 PM, said:

Not necessarily, but a System Recovery will.


This is not the first time I've seen an update from HP Total Care messing things up.

If you think this is a virus activity, get Hijackthis! and post your log in here.

It sounds more like a corrupted user than a virus to me. Try creating another user and see if the issue persist.

This is the first time I've heard of this specific thing happening though. Once I got a person that had a non working keyboard in a laptop with XP, she typed and typed and nothing went to the screen, we created a new user and it was the solution.


Mav

Creating a new account didn't help. Same problem.

Here's another wierd error message I'm getting.
When I try to open Computer Management, I get an error message that says "Failed to create empty document" and of course the ok button is blank.

I'm about ready to give up. It's a new freaking computer so a system recovery isn't going to lose much.

System Recovery completed. Computer back to normal.

LMAO!!

That always works!!






Mav