BleepingComputer.com: Can't use START for programs

On my pc, I use XP Professional, I think it is near 10 years old. I can get on the web, use email and surf without a problem.

The problem is that the Windows "start" button (bottom left hand corner), does not let me access the web or programs like my webcam. So I can't get on the web using "start". I have to use an icon I made for another reason to get on the web, which works okay because I am here.
And when I go to my control panel, from "start", I cannot access System, Keyboard Mouse etc, it gives me an error message and I cannot do anything with them.

What is the exact error message you are receiving?

When I click on the control panel, I get this box below when I click on System or Keyboard and I cannot go farther.


----------------------------------------
Control Panel x


X C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe

Application not found

OK

-----------------------------------------

My guess would be you have an infections Download Combofix (here) run it and you may also want to do a system restore before hand if this problem started recently.

Mod Edit: Suggestion of ComboFix is not allowed at BC by anyone other than members of the MRT and is done in the Malware Removal Logs forum ~ Hamluis.

This post has been edited by hamluis: 12 January 2012 - 07:45 AM
Reason for edit: PM sent new member.

Running combofix without supervision is dangerous.

You can try this

Download

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/fileassoc/xp_exe_fix.zip

Extract and launch the registry file.click YES when you get a prompt

You should be able to launch control panel.This kind of errors are common on 2012 rogue infected PC.

You can take help of experts here if you think your PC is still infected

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html , please read and follow the Prep Guide instructions for posting ~ Hamluis.

Good luck

This post has been edited by hamluis: 12 January 2012 - 07:48 AM
Reason for edit: Edited reference.