BleepingComputer.com: Hard drive failure, then empty desktop

Unfortunately, that crucial backup folder doesn't exist, so you'll have to restore all items manually.
You can proceed with all steps from my reply #11 and then, when you have time.....


You can restore the defaults for the Start Menu, Accessories and Administrative Tools as follows:

• Restore Accessories Program Files Menu with accrestore.zip for XP
  
  • Extract (unzip) the tool, double-click on it to run and ensure that the following check boxes are checked (as shown below):
  
  
  
  • Then click on the Restore button.

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To manually recreate "All Programs" entries, follow these steps...

• Download App Paths
  
• Double click on AppPaths.exe to run the program.
  
• Keep the program open.

In this example I'll recreate an entry for Avast antivirus program.

• Go Start>All Programs.
  
• Right click on Avast entry, click "Properties".

NOTE. Make sure, you right click on Avast program, NOT on Avast folder.

• You'll see this window:

Due to the damage caused by the infection, you'll find "Target" box empty.

• Go back to AppPaths window and find Avast entry.
  
• Right click on Avast line, click "Edit".
  
• A pop-up window will open:

• Highlight everything in "Path" box, right click on it, click "Copy"
  
• Go back to Avast "Properties" window, right click inside "Target" box, click "Paste".
  
• IMPORTANT! Add quotation marks at the beginning of the path and at the end
  
• Click OK and you're done.

In case, program's link shows as (empty):

• Open Windows Explorer, navigate to Avast folder in Program Files
  
• Right click on Avast ".exe" file, click "Create shortcut":

• Copy that shortcut, go back to Start menu.
  
• Right click on avast!Free Antivirus, click "Paste".
  
• You'll see Avast shortcut recreated replacing (empty) entry.

Alternatively....
...you paste that shortcut in:
(XP) - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Avast
(Vista/7) - C:\ProgramData\Start Menu\Programs\Avast

Hey,

Thanks so far for all your help!!

I followed all the steps in reply #11, and here's the log:

C:\DATA\Cdrive\Program Files\Webroot\Enterprise\Server\Client\SpySweeperSetup.2.1.2.3858.msi probably unknown NewHeur_PE virus deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\ltvalenzuela\Application Data\6C95B57D56FA1D22BF01D0573BCD0638\local.ini Win32/Adware.AntimalwareDoctor.AE.Gen application cleaned by deleting - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\ltvalenzuela\Application Data\FrostWire\.AppSpecialShare\frostwire-4.21.7.windows.exe Win32/OpenCandy application deleted - quarantined
C:\Documents and Settings\ltvalenzuela\My Documents\Downloads\RegistryWinner_Setup.exe multiple threats deleted - quarantined

I'm going to restart the computer and do what you posted in the latest reply (#16). Let you know how that goes.

This post has been edited by eshman: 27 June 2011 - 02:51 AM

OK

I tried what you put on reply #16, but the program files are empty. So I tried the alternative, but in the windows explorer, the program I want to restore is not there!

eshman, on 27 June 2011 - 06:01 PM, said:

Woops,nvm I found them... but does that mean I have to restore each program individually?

Unfortunately, yes.

Broni, on 27 June 2011 - 06:09 PM, said:

My computer is still not the same though... the start button used to pop up alot more things in it, it is now down to the like the minimum.

But besides that I guess everything is fixed...

Any ideas on the start button thing?

Without knowing what's missing, it's hard to advice.

gosh i still think my computer is infected... when i open a quick time video in browser, it doesn't have the buttons, it's just a black strip at the bottom.

Do you think there is anyway we can run combo-fix? and just fix my whole computer?

THANKS!

You shouldn't be running Combofix on your own.

Quote

Which browser?
Did you try different browser?
Did you try to reinstall QuickTime?