Desktop Icons

[lyn8]

I am running XP and after being on the internet my desktop icons will not open some things will open when I go through start.  I have an anit-virus program running and also a spyware program

[Mindset]

 ???Do you have a firewall?
My prblm is I can't get out of safe-mode.  windows 98
pics  messy.  Cd  wont  play and  printer not workin.
Tried all the normal ways. Even deleted a power device manager that had a exclamation mark in a yellow circle.
scanned  and degragged . still in safe-mode
i sure want out.  Help
 

[Raptor]

I am running XP and after being on the internet my desktop icons will not open some things will open when I go through start.  I have an anit-virus program running and also a spyware program

Scan for Viruses, Trojan Horses and Spyware.

Use different scanners.

You failed to mention your OS, virus and spyware scanner.

[lyn8]

I am using Defender Pro  and have spyblaster and spyguard running. I have scanned and re scanned and then deleted what was there for spyware. Same thing keeps happening. Some things on the desktop will open--folders will not.  I have to go back and restore to an earlier time, then things work until I go surfing.

[Raptor]

Use Adaware SE, Spybot S&D and a more trustworthy virus scanner.

[lyn8]

Yes--I have also downloaded Adware Se and had trouble everytime I tried the Spybot S7D.  couldn't get it to download correctly.  I am probably going to go to Wal-mart or somewhere and buy something.  Any suggestions?

[Raptor]

A book on how to properly secure your computer, yes.

What are you planning on buying?

[lyn8]

Don't know what I am going to buy--Yes I need a book "internet for dummies" for my other half.  It was his fault.

[Raptor]

You can save money on a Dummy's book.

Here are some useful articles:



How Stuff Works - Internet Channel

How Stuff Works - Security Channel

[lyn8]

Thanks--I will check these out.  Any suggestions on what to by as far as anti-spyware???

[Raptor]

Adaware SE and Spybot S&D did not work properly for you?

Describe what happened.

[lyn8]

adware Se worked fine, but still have the problem after running it.  Icons and files will not open. Spybot S & D would freeze up half way through the scan process.  The only way I can open things is to do a system restore,  THen  the Adware SE is not there and the process starts all over AGAIN.

[Raptor]

Disable System Restore.

You can use the repair option on your Windows XP CD. Use it as a bootdisk.

But first, completely remove all traces of Spyware, Viruses and Trojan Horses from your system.

[lyn8]

Ok--will give it a try this evening when I get home--Thanks

[Computer_Commando]

Download TweakUI and see if that will repair it.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx