Nothing works

[Nolimit4yu]

Every program I try to run, I see a quick "blip" but nothing loads.  I can use Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office, but Adobe doesnt work, Task Manager doesnt work, eject disc doesnt work.  I googled my problem and got a lot of "registry fix" answers but every time I downloaded it, that wouldnt run either.  I tried downloading AVG Free, thinking maybe I have a virus, but AGAIN... it wont load.  I've done 2 System Restores in Safe Mode to points where I know my computer worked fine, but I still have the same problem.  HELP???

[patio]

More info...
What happened leading up to this ? ?

[Nolimit4yu]

nothing, every thing worked fine.  No crashes, no programs installed... I know there were a few "Windows Updates", but I have no idea

[Allan]

You said you tried to download avg. Does that mean you do not have an anti virus app active?

[Nolimit4yu]

Thats pretty much correct.  I did have AVG free a few months ago, but had to uninstall (trial over?  I dont remember)

[Allan]

Well, then I'll bet your system is infected.

Please follow the instructions in the following link and post your logs in the thread you create (NOT in this thread):
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

[Nolimit4yu]

the 1st step is to download an antivirus program.  i just tried Avast (just in case), but it still will not load

[Allan]

I'm going to move this to the malware forum. Please wait for the malware specialist to respond. Thanks.

[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.

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.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.
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Please try this: Boot your computer in Safe Mode with NetWorking, download and install this free AV program.Please choose the one that conforms to your type of computer.
Safe Mode

Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows Vista\Windows 7 - 64 bit Download
Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows XP

While still in Safe Mode, download, install and run a scan with MBAM. Reboot in Normal Mode and run the MBAM scan again and post the log.

[Nolimit4yu]

Ran the program, came back with countless crashes and 1 threat "Questscan" (no idea where it came from) that causes these system crashes.  I uninstalled it, then deleted the folder from Program Files.  Everything works again, THANK YOU!  I also ran Registry Repair from Glarysoft, which supposedly fixed 566 registry errors.  Again, thank you!

[SuperDave]

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications and their potential for harming your OS far outweighs any small potential for improving your computer's performance.

There are a number of them available and some are more safe than others. Keep in mind that no two registry cleaners work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad" entry. One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause a problem when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work. Without research into what the registry entry selected for deletion is, a registry cleaner can end up being an automated method to cause problems with the registry.

For routine use by those not familiar with the registry, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

Further reading: XP Fixes Myth #1: Registry Cleaners
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We really should run a few scans to make sure your computer is clean.