Desktop blank at Startup

[Nicolaysen]

Here are my two new logs.  Hope it helps.

Chris

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[SuperDave]

Hi Chris. Your uninstall list shows ZoneAlarm. It's still producing tmp. files. You should uninstall it and then re-install the same thing or another Firewall.

Add or Remove Programs

1. Click on the Windows Start button and click on the Control Panel
2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs icon.
3. When the Add or Remove Programs window has fully populated, check for ZoneAlarm and uninstall it.

If that doesn't work, try this tool.

ZoneAlarm removal

Here are some free Firewalls.

Remember only install ONE firewall

1) Comodo Personal Firewall (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage" and uncheck any HopSurf and/or Ask.com options if you choose this one)
2) Online Armor
3) Agnitum Outpost
4) PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.

Please let me know the results of all this?

[Nicolaysen]

Dave,

I have removed Zone Alarm and installed Online Armor. 

Chris

[Nicolaysen]

When I restart my computer, the cpes clean.exe keeps wanting to run right after start up.  Should I run it.  Isn't this what I used to get rid of Zone Alarm.  If I use it won't it get rid of Online Armor?  If not, how do I get rid of it.  Sorry for any confusion.  Plus my desktop seems to starting normally for the first time in about a year.  This is awesome. 

Chris

[SuperDave]

Did you have to use the ZoneAlarm Removal tool? Please try running it again. Sometimes, this tool doesn't work the way it's supposed to. If that doesn't work to get rid of "cpes clean.exe" run ComboFix again and I'll see if we can remove it that way. Post the ComboFix log.

[Nicolaysen]

Dave,

Sorry for the delay.  Issue 1 - I reran cpes clean and it is still showing up at startup.  I tried running Combo Fix, but when I went to disable AVG, AVG said "There are no active components" and Combo Fix said that AVG is running though.  Issue 2 - Ever since Online Armor was downloaded, I keep getting pop ups to allow or block certain items in my computer, even if I hit remember, but it does not.  The computer seems to be running slower since I downloaded this firewall.  I am at a loss.  Please help. 

[SuperDave]

Please run ComboFix even if you can't disable your AV. I just switched to Commodo Firewall and it has me pulling my hair out and I have my head shaved. That's the price we have to pay for security. Sometimes I really feel like going back to the Windows Firewall. It's especially bad if you're trying to remove or install a new program.

[Nicolaysen]

Here is my new combofix log, hope it helps. 

Chris

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[SuperDave]

That log looks ok. It's been so long. How's your computer running now?