Windows XP taskbar looks like safe mode/Windows 98 and no internet connection

[flash3389]

I have the same problem as this guy:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,105262.0.html

I have to restarting the DHCP everytime I turn my computer on now.  A few months ago I had Windows Defender Pro XP attack my computer.  I used Malewarebytes to get rid of it and even did the reg fix off the link from google.  Besides the start menu looking like Windows 95/95/ME I can't seem to access the windows update page.  Every time I try it says Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage.



[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]

[SuperDave]

Hello and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer. I am working under the guidance of one of the specialist of this forum so it may take a bit longer to process your logs.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

I strongly recommend that you remove Ask from your computer because it;

•Promotes its toolbars on sites targeted to kids.

•Promotes its toolbars through ads that appear to be part of other companies' sites.

•Promotes its toolbars through other companies' spyware.

•Installs without any disclosure whatsoever and without any consent whatsoever.

•Solicits installations via "deceptive door openers" that do not accurately describe the offer; failing to affirmatively show a license agreement; linking to a EULA via an off-screen link.

•Makes confusing changes to users' browsers -- increasing Ask's revenues while taking users to pages they didn't intend to visit.

See Here for more info.

If you choose to follow my recommendation then please go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and remove the following programs if present.

•AskBarDis or anything related to Ask

Then please find and delete this folder in bold (if present):
C:\Program Files\AskBarDis. or anything related to Ask.
==================================

You have Viewpoint installed.

Viewpoint Media Player/Manager/Toolbar is considered as Foistware instead of malware since it is installed without users approval but doesn't spy or do anything "bad".

More information:

* ViewMgr.exe - Useless
* Viewpoint to Plunge Into Adware

It is suggested to remove the program now. Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs - (Vista & Win7 is Programs and Features) and remove the following programs if present.

* Viewpoint
* Viewpoint Manager
* Viewpoint Media Player
* Viewpoint Toolbar
* Viewpoint Experience Technology
====================================

Download Disable/Remove Windows Messenger to the desktop to remove Windows Messenger.

Do not confuse Windows Messenger with MSN Messenger because they are not the same. Windows Messenger is a frequent cause of popups.

Unzip the file on the desktop. Open the MessengerDisable.exe and choose the bottom box - Uninstall Windows Messenger and click Apply.

Exit out of MessengerDisable then delete the two files that were put on the desktop.

====================================

Open HijackThis and select Do a system scan only

Place a check mark next to the following entries: (if there)

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [muBlinder] C:\MuBlinder\muBlinder.exe -startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe

Important: Close all open windows except for HijackThis and then click Fix checked.

Once completed, exit HijackThis.

====================================

1. Download this diagnostics tool MGADiag.ext and save this to your Desktop.
2. Double-click on MGADiag.exe and click Continue
3. When the program has finished, click on Copy
4. Post the results in your next reply. Please copy and paste the logs in this forum.
 
 
 

[flash3389]

I didn't check my post at the time but I removed ask and defraged my C drive.  Avast seemed to have killed something and I can now access windows update.  Even the taskbar has reverted back to normal; however, I can't seem to start the Event Log service.  Windows update won't work without it.  Automatic update and background intelligence always starts.

[SuperDave]

If you don't run the scans I requested, I can't do anything to help you. Sorry.