BleepingComputer.com: Windows XP acting strange

Hi,

New to the forum with a crazy acting PC....

First off I was just trying to type this note and I got the "Tab has been recovered message" and wiped out my work! I get that one a lot.

This all started last week. I noticed McAfee was having issues & crashing when it was updating the database or trying to launch a scan. I get the message "McAfee has encountered a problem and must shut down". Scans take forever to complete since this stared. I have removed McAfee and ran a number of scans with other Malware/Spyware tools and they did pick up a couple malware trojans that I removed with PC Tools SpyWare Doctor. They claim this will detect and kill trojans and rootkit malware. I paid for the full version and it claims to have removed it and I get no trace of anything when I run a scan. Spyware Doc also has been hanging and wont run or update unless I play with it, and sometimes on a reboot it will start up. So I still have the problem although I removed everything it detected. I have reinstalled McAfee and nothing has changed. I ran smithfraud fix and HJT and looked at the logs but I dont see anything unusual.

When I go to the Event Viewer and look at the Application logs there are several crashed programs there. When I use MSConfig, looking in the startup tab there is a hidden file that I disabled by unchecking it. With this item checked and it runs I get more problems. Crashes, strange behavior and lockups. So it is disabled for now.

I also have icons that will not start in the toolbar (right corner by the clock). The McAfee icon is the only one that will start every time. I think there was seven in the toolbar before all this started. The sound control icon is the first that went missing now I get maybe one or two icons with the McAfee icon. I did try going to the toolbar properties and choosing custom and then choosing "show all the time" for the icons I could remember. This had no effect on the icons, still missing. If I go to control panel and add the sound control icon back in the toolbar it stays there until a reboot.

Crazy stuff, hope someone has seen this before.

Thanks!

Since you have ran HJT, I would recommend performing the following instructions in ==>This Guide<==.

Once the proper logs are created, then make a NEW TOPIC and post it ==>HERE<== Please include the link to this topic in your new topic and a description of your computer issues and what you have done to resolve them.

If you can produce at least some of the logs, then please create the new topic and explain what happens when you try to create the log(s) that you couldn't get. If you cannot produce any of the logs, then still post the topic and explain that you followed the Prep. Guide, were unable to create the logs, and describe what happens when you try to create the logs.

Once you have created the new topic, please reply back here with a link to the new topic.

Thank you Madman!

Malware topic here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic384174.html

Now that your log is properly posted, you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a Malware Removal Team member, nor should you continue to ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show it the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the Malware Removal Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the Malware Removal Team members are very busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the Malware Removal Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another MR Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic.