something about files..

My computer is the computer from *censored*. I swear, it's always messing up. Anyway, my latest problem is that I keep getting this pop-up that says something about some files being overwritten by unrecognized version and it tells me to inster my Professional XP CD2. I do not have that. I have all the stuff that came with the computer and that disk isn't in there. Well, everytime that pop-ups, my computer goes screwey. The start button and everything with it disappears and all the icons on my computer desktop disappear. It's really annoying. Has anyone else ever had this problem & what am I supposed to do?

[Malware Removal Specialist]

More info please. What OS and what protection do you have?

Sorry, I'm not very computer smart so I have no idea what an OS is.
 

Okay, this is what I know about my computer. I have Windows XP & the CPU hardrive thing is an eMachines. I have McAfee. That's about all I know. This is what the pop-up thing says word for word:

Files that are required for Windows to run properly have been replaced by unrecognized versions. To maintain system stability, Windows must restore the original versions of these files.

Insert your Windows XP Professional CD2 now.

Have you tried running Windows Update?

Or do what I told someone earlier...use the sfc command ...this scans all OS files & replaces ones that are corrupt..with your CD inserted of course to copy the files from....
 Go to start/run type in sfc /scannow...& follow the promts.

Do you have Windowx XP Service Pack 2 installed?

jim, I ran that thing and it just popped up with that thing again. I don't have the CD so I can't do anything about it.

And Broni, I don't think so?

You better get it. It's a very crucial update.
Get other Windows updates, as well.

[Moderator]

To see if it's installed open My Computer...clik on Help/About Windows.

It says:

Microsoft Windows Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 2)

Does that mean it is installed?

Yes. How about current Windows Updates?

I don't know?

Well, go Start>Windows Updates, and check.

I'm positive I have every update.
It still happens though.

Let's see, if that computer is clean...

1. Run free ESET Online Scanner at: http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/
Note: This Scanner is for Internet Explorer Only
   1.  You will notice that the "Start" button is grayed out. Place a check mark at "Yes, I accept the Terms of use". The "Start" button will become visible. Click on it.
   2. If it wants to install an ActiveX component allow it
   3. You will be asked to install an ActiveX, click the "Install" button (Note: If you have a Firewall install you may have to approve the installation)
   4. Once ActiveX control is installed click on the "Start" button to initialize the scanner
   5. After initialization is complete uncheck\untick "Remove found threats"
   6. Check\tick "Scan unwanted applications"
   7. Click the "Scan" button
   8. Once the scan is done, you will find a log in C:\Program Files\esetonlinescanner\log.txt
Post ESET's log.

2. Download SUPERAntiSpyware Free for Home Users:
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Print these instructions out.

    * Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
    * An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
    * If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download and unzip them from here: http://www.superantispyware.com/definitions.html.)
    * Close SUPERAntiSpyware.

Restart computer in Safe Mode.
To enter Safe Mode, restart computer, and keep tapping F8 key, until menu appears; pick Safe Mode; you'll see "Safe Mode" in all four corners of your screen

    * Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
    * Under "Configuration and Preferences", click the Preferences button.
    * Click the Scanning Control tab.
    * Under Scanner Options make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
          o Close browsers before scanning.
          o Scan for tracking cookies.
          o Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
    * Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen.
    * Back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
    * On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
    * On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan.
    * Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
    * After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
    * Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
    * A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
    * If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes".
    * To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
          o Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
          o Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
          o If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log. A text file will open in your default text editor.
          o Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply with a new HijackThis log.
    * Click Close to exit the program.
Post SUPERAntiSpyware log.

3. Download HijackThis:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/hijackthis.html
Post HijackThis log.