Computer Hope
Software => Computer software => Topic started by: anticlimactic88 on October 16, 2006, 04:42:54 PM
-
hi im new to this forum and ive got a problem. im not exactly able to pinpoint how this problem started but i am unable to open applications such as winamp and vlc player. i reformated after much frustration, and this problem still occurs. what is strange is that everytime i open a program, cmd prompt (the dos window) would open up a blank screen and then close, and its as if the program never opened at all.
i've tried opening it from the program directory, from start windows, and nothing works, its as if cmd prompt "took" over my computer lol. another thing i've noticed is that when i start up my computer, as soon as loads my desktop, 2 dos windows appear and disappear.
anyone may have a solution for me? thanks!
-
What version of Windows ? ?
Do you have a shiny MS CD to do a repair install ? ?
patio. 8-)
-
windows xp and yes i do have a cd to repair install, which ive never done. would i lose anything if i repair?
modify//
actually ive discovered that its just not my winamp and vlc, its basically happening to almost every application i have such as MIRC, bittorrent, creative volume control.
-
What service pack is installed and what Internet security do you have ?
-
Can you get into safe mode at this point ? ?
If so insert your XP CD and re-boot into safe mode (tap F8 repeatedly on startup before Win logo comes up).
Then go to Start / Run and type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...
Let it run til it finishes. Remove the XP CD and re-boot normally and see if this improves things.
patio. 8-)
-
i dont believe i installed a service pack, computer was just reformated couple days ago.
anyway regarding to patio's post, i tried what you did,
it wouldnt let me snownow under safe mode. said "specific error code 0x000006ba [the RPC server's unavailable]"
so then i tried doing it on normal mode, and it worked, but no changes were made to my problem
ive also noticed that rundll malfunctions on my startups. the error window says that run dll having troubles running apllications or something
-
Anytime you re-format and re-install you also need to update and install your Service packs...SP2 can still be ordered on CD from the Mothership if you are bandwidth impaired but you will have to grab all the updates that have been released since then...
BTW the error message you posted is probably related to SP2.
patio. 8-)
-
i dont mean to question you but ive actually had a lot of experience reformating and i do it quite often (2-3 times a month) and this problem has never really occured before
-
Ok Great then we'll switch gears...have you ran all your malware scans...in safemode...with System Restore turned off ? ?
Did they turn up anything ? ?
patio. 8-)
-
how do you turn off system restore
-
Start right clik My Computer and select properties then System Restore...
This will erase all your restore points
patio. 8-)
-
i just did what you said, went on safe mode and scanned for spyware activities. i was fine, had a few minor things and nothing works still. i believe my problem got worse too because now i cant even exec my MSN messenger and other applications that i could previously.
-
What did you scan with ? ?
-
i scanned with adaware
-
AVG Free
SpyBot Search and Destroy
Ewido.
These are all free.
Dload and update each one before running the scans.
AdAware serves it's purpose but offers little in the way of real protection. Add these to your arsenal...keep them updated and scan regularly.
patio. 8-)
-
a question about AVG. i have a few viruses detected, am i supposed to move them into the virus vault? when i click on the move to vault button it tells me that some registry files are needed and may caused problems
-
i reformated after much frustration, and this problem still occurs.
If you reformatted, carried out a clean install of Windows and the problem still occurs when you get into Windows then I don't believe you. :P
-
I tend to agree with Fed...this is sounding less and less like a recent clean install of XP...
With AVG you should have it remove any nasties , no need to use the vault...
Wjat did the other scans come up with ? ?
patio. 8-)
-
If you format and reinstall Windows 2-3 times a month you have other major issues. Legality is probably one of them.
-
actually thanks patio : ).
I finally managed to open safe mode (i couldnt do it by tapping f8, i had to run MSCONFIG) and then i used AVG on safe mode and it seemed to have found a lot of viruses. it got rid of it, and most of my files were infected.
funny enough i had this one file on my computer called KILLAPPLICATIONS.exe, scared me : P.
anyway, i removed it on safemode, then reformated and the problem is gone now. thanks for all the help everyone.
-
Reformatting will remove all malware every time.
If it doesn't then you are not reformatting.