I think my computer's done for...

[Deerpark]

WindowZones is not an AV software. It's a sand boxing utility that supposedly runs programs in a safe zone that denies them access to the rest of the system.

[unlovedwarrior]

oh lol.. like buffer zone

[Jade]

So... any ideas?

[unlovedwarrior]

It's possible that your problem isn't actually caused by an infection.  How long has this been happening?  What were you doing when it first happened?  Have you tried System Restore?  Last known good configuration?  I would suggest opening up the Run/New Task command and trying chkdsk /f (note the spacea).  If you have an official Windows CD, also give sfc /scannow (again, note the space) a try.

Continue with unlovedwarrior's suggestion of scanning in Safe Mode and let us know how it goes.  Once you're done, restart back into Normal Mode and post a HijackThis log.  If you have an infection, we'll do our best to find it and remove it.  If you don't have an infection, then at least ruling it out can lead us into an appropriate direction.

safe mode only lets key files run that are required for the OS (operating system) to work, which excludes your infection.

My infection is still active, I think. I am experiencing the same problems as when Windows was booted normally, i.e. the lack of the explorer.exe process and icons and start bar. [what's it really called? I call it the start bar.. hehe]

It's called the Taskbar.

did you try those?

[Jade]

It's possible that your problem isn't actually caused by an infection.  How long has this been happening?  What were you doing when it first happened?  Have you tried System Restore?  Last known good configuration?  I would suggest opening up the Run/New Task command and trying chkdsk /f (note the spacea).  If you have an official Windows CD, also give sfc /scannow (again, note the space) a try.

Continue with unlovedwarrior's suggestion of scanning in Safe Mode and let us know how it goes.  Once you're done, restart back into Normal Mode and post a HijackThis log.  If you have an infection, we'll do our best to find it and remove it.  If you don't have an infection, then at least ruling it out can lead us into an appropriate direction.

safe mode only lets key files run that are required for the OS (operating system) to work, which excludes your infection.

My infection is still active, I think. I am experiencing the same problems as when Windows was booted normally, i.e. the lack of the explorer.exe process and icons and start bar. [what's it really called? I call it the start bar.. hehe]

It's called the Taskbar.

did you try those?

Yeah, it checked the disk, fixed something or other, booted, then nothing new.

[Jade]

My step-mom's IT specialist put XP Pro on it for me.. so yeah, I don't have disks or anything.

[unlovedwarrior]

then try just chkdsk /f (note the spacea) no cd required

[unlovedwarrior]

look here also

[CBMatt]

It's possible that your problem isn't actually caused by an infection.  How long has this been happening?  What were you doing when it first happened?  Have you tried System Restore?  Last known good configuration?

[Jade]

It's possible that your problem isn't actually caused by an infection.  How long has this been happening?  What were you doing when it first happened?  Have you tried System Restore?  Last known good configuration?

It first happened after I restarted it, shortly after I installed the Sims 2, along with a keygen. I remember doing a scan, and finding a trojan, with "Sims 2 keygen" in it's name somewhere...

EVERY TIME I do AVG Anti-Spyware scans, I find "hijacker.small". I put it in quarantine, I try deleting it, but it just regenerates... I don't know if that could cause my problem, maybe..

I tried "Last Know Good Configuration" and System Restore was turned off.

[Jade]

I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of totally re-installing Windows, but we don't have any backup disks, and I don't know how.. hehe. I'm on my computer downstairs right now.

[patio]

I would backup what you need from there, do a complete format and a clean install....

Then i would add at least another 256M of RAM...

Finally i would steer clear of any keygens and warez, Period.

[Jade]

I would backup what you need from there, do a complete format and a clean install....

Then i would add at least another 256M of RAM...

Finally i would steer clear of any keygens and warez, Period.

I don't know how to do any of that...

I can stay away from that stuff.

[CBMatt]

Keygen, eh?  So, am I to assume that's an illegal download of The Sims?  I don't think it's any coincidence that this happened.  Downloaded games and keygens are full of trouble.  It may be possible to fix this, but I think it would be simpler and more effective to reformat.  That computer didn't come with any CD's?

[Jade]

Keygen, eh?  So, am I to assume that's an illegal download of The Sims?  I don't think it's any coincidence that this happened.  Downloaded games and keygens are full of trouble.  It may be possible to fix this, but I think it would be simpler and more effective to reformat.  That computer didn't come with any CD's?

It wasn't an illegal download of The Sims 2, thanks, and I'd be happy to prove it. What I lost was the manual, which had the Serial # printed on it.

We don't have any CD's, for the OS, no.