Laptop lock up

[mcwoode]

I have an Compaq presario v2555 running XP.  Locks up after it opens programs. For example in word I can open a document but it will not accept any keyboard or mouse commands after opening the main page.  Try to run commands off the start menu--it will open the run dialog box, but won't let me type any info or use the pull down arrow.  safe mode won't resolve it. Restore to an earlier date won't resolve the issue.  Lost my wireless internet on this computer too. Any ideas??? Thanks Mcwoode

[midsail]

Hello try going to the link

http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.ht

[mcwoode]

Thanks for the thoughts on the virus.I have antivirus/antispam (Threatfire) on my computer and a firewall on this system.  Currently, I can't open/run any programs on this computer, it will lock up (I don't know how to install a program on a computer that refuses to run programs). think my problem is that my antivirus/spamware is corrupted. I can't uninstall it or stop it from operating.  Previously when it was working correctly, it would prevent unauthorized programs from opening/operating.  Is there a way I can turn this program off without operation thru the remove programs?  The suspend command (from the list of programs by the clock) does not work, neither does the control alt del.  your thoughts Thanks mcwoode 

[Karnac]

Can you get into safe mode and remove that antivirus from Add/Remove programs.........sorry reread the safe mode attempt.

[mcwoode]

Thanks for your post, however, since I can't stop the program from running I can't remove it even in safe mode ( I've  tried several times).   Is there a way  I can stop the program from running?  The suspend command in threatfire does not work. Neither does the control alt del. WHen ever I try to run a program it will either lock on the program list or will lock on the program's "home" screen.  If I don't open the programs I can copy files (drag and drop) to disk.  But it seems that any program outside of windows will not run.  Run commands will also lock it up.   Your thoughts??? Thanks.
 

[Karnac]

If you can get into task manager , you can "End Task"...try right click on the task bar to get to task manager. Another option is to down load SuperAntispware and malewareBytes to a USB stick and transfer them to your desktop and run them.

[midsail]

Try this radical idea. Remove the HDD put in a enclosure. Either take it to a friend PC to scanned the HDD with the lastest A/V and malware/spyware SW. Or if u can put another HDD in the PC. Load WIN install new A/V and Malware/Spyware, scan your the HDD that u r having trouble. Let know the results.

[EchoLynx]

If you think it's a virus: midsail's advice is pretty good, actually. That's the best, and probably the easiest, to do. That is- if you can get to your laptop's HDD without destroying the thing. (In my experience, you won't have that problem with a Compaq.)  If you don't have an external enclosure, you can buy one for ~$30-50, or you can buy an adapter set which will do the same thing but won't protect the drive. (That will set you back about $20 including shipping.) It's best to get one that will support 2.5" and 3.5" SATA or IDE drives for input, and USB for output. (eSATA is nice if you have it on your machine, but it's not common and isn't worth the trouble in my opinion.)

    If you can't access the drive:
        Try to use some sort of bootable Antivirus program, such as Avira AntiVir's Rescue System,  Dr. Web LiveCD, or INSERT (w/ Clam Antivirus).

If you think it's a bad/corrupted antivirus install: Try to uninstall the program in safe mode using a third party tool, such as CCleaner. If you're unable to uninstall it, at least disable it in startup. (Also done in CCleaner, but you can do it with the run command "msconfig" as well.)

Another option for both problems would to try to do a System Restore in safe mode. This will revert your operating system to a previous state- hopefully to a point BEFORE you had the antivirus software installed.

[mcwoode]

Think the problem is solved. Discovered that the system would partially run in the WIndows Debugging mode (not safe mode)--was able to stop the runaway threatfire software in this mode & install Avast.  Avast took care of the Trojan on the system 32 directory.  Keyboard lock up was because of incorrect default settings--for some strange reason it was set up for a plug in keyboard.  Reinstalled XP and reloaded all drivers--we are good to go! Thanks y'all.   

[Broni]

BTW, ThreatFire is NOT an antivirus program.