Startup

The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not responding)"
Any ideas ?

Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun box. Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the items below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall. Be careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not responding)"
Any ideas ?

This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall. Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not responding)"
Any ideas ?

.

OK. The wiggly lines are possibly due to a video utility not running, perhaps...

Anyway, the next step is to tell us what's in your startup queue that might be
causing the problem. I suspect malware--parasites, adware, spyware. I have a
long list of procedures you'll want to know about, but before we get into those,
you'll want your system to be able to get back online. So here's how to post the
list of startup items.

StartRun MSINFO32

When System Information opens, expand the Software Environment, then click on
"Startup Programs", then click anywhere in the right-hand pane. Next, press
Ctrl-A to select all, then Ctrl-C to Copy. Then, because you need to transfer
this to the system you're using to post messages, go to the desktop, right-click
anywhere, NewText Document. Call it "Startup.txt", open it, then use Ctrl-V to
Paste in the list. Put that file onto a floppy to transfer it to the machine
you're using to post, then copy the text from that file into a reply message.

I'll post the other instruction in a separate post that you can print out. Once
we know what is perhaps preventing the Desktop from showing, we can re-enable
the rest and let you back online in order to download the rest of the utilities
you'll want to install.

Sorry about the delay. Had to go to the store.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"john" wrote in message
...
This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall. Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not responding)"
Any ideas ?

.

The below includes everything I think is necessary for computer security, no
more, and certainly no less. Yes, there are valid differences of opinion
regarding which antivirus software to use, but the rest of my suggestions have
fairly unanimous support among the cognoscenti. The initial suggestions go hand
in hand with maintaining a clean and secure system. Not all links to
Spyware/Adware programs may be functioning (it's a war out there), so if you
have any problems, try using the links available at
http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

See my article, "Clean Boot--What it is and why you need it"
http://www.google.com/groups?selm=%2...GP11.phx.gb l

Because some of the more recent known invaders are capable of interfering with
the suggestions contained in the above, I suggest you also consider first doing
the following, though it may be necessary to set up a clean boot, and even then
manually kill a malicious process or two before you can even get these
accomplished. Many invaders are built to first detect and disable protections
that are in place, so that you might, for instance, have to obtain and employ a
DOS-boot antivirus like F-Prot. Repeated running of scanners, booting back and
forth from Safe Mode to Normal, or into DOS Mode--a lot of gymnastics are often
required to get to an error-free and nasties-free condition. Once there,
however, some user sanity and education, plus regular "wetware" updating, will
*keep* your system healthy.

Update your Antivirus, run a full scan. Then, if you haven't already, obtain,
update, and run any or all of the following Trojan/Parasite/Adware/Spyware
cleaners. I recommend getting and running *all* of them. They each target
slightly different things. Again, be sure you update the definitions they are
using to identify crap before running them, each time you run them--which,
depending on your surfing habits, should be anything from once a month, to once
a week, to once a day, to once an hour if you're really into junkware sites (aka
"Free goodies", game sites, fun-places-to-be, etc.)

Tradition had it that Firewalls were generally not needed when using simple
dial-up modem connections. Alas, this is no longer the case. *Everyone* needs a
firewall! Also, I make no bones about it--Norton, McAfee and Trend-Micro
products (and probably a few others) are ABOMINATIONS!, particularly when it
comes to Win9x systems. They are massive suites that intrude into basic
functions where they simply do not need to go. For freeware solutions, I suggest
AVG or AVAST (based upon the recommendations of others, though each has it's
minor drawbacks) and ZoneAlarm Firewall. But for really good, inexpensive, and
trustworthy protection, you simply can't beat eTrust Armor. Antivirus and
Firewall combined, very non-intrusive upon the system itself (I've *never* seen
a crash caused by EZ Antivirus, and there's hardly any impact whatsoever on
Resources, etc.) eTrust is from Computer Associates Inc.--the antivirus is a
version of their corporate product usually known as Inoculan, and they got smart
recently and switched to using a version of ZoneAlarm for their firewall.

You can get a one-year free trial of eTrust EZ Armor at
http://www.my-etrust.com/microsoft/. This offer was initially slated to end this
June, but has been extended through February 2005. The trial offer is also
included in at least some versions (not sure about all languages) of Microsoft's
Windows Security Update CD, an item *everyone* should own.
(However, do *not* just run the Update CD on your system without a proper
analysis of where your system stands with regard to Updates. Might do more harm
than good.) EZ Armor would normally cost $50 for the first year (a deal in
itself), and yearly renewal subscriptions only cost $25--an absolute steal when
compared with other offerings. Order the Windows Security Update CD directly
from MS, totally free, including S&H, at
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

In addition to Antivirus and Firewall protection, I consider the following items
to be indispensable protection and clean-up utilities. My judgment is based upon
their being free, good, accurate, and safe, if handled correctly. See, also,
suggestions from MVP Mike Burgess on his site, http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/,
particularly the general Windows/IE
Security page, http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/security.htm. More current
discussions of Security issues can be found at the Windows Support Center
(provided by MVP Jim Eshelman, a true Saint!) at http://www.aumha.org

(SpyBot S&D = "SpyBot Search & Destroy")

Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
SpyBot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
HijackThis http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
CWShredder http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/cwshredder.zip
Spyware Blaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

PLEASE! Before doing any of these, see also,
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm for suggestions and cautionary
information about internet surfing, and some important hints about using the
above. ESPECIALLY, be aware that HijackThis scans result in a LOT of stuff that
you *don't* want to delete. The admonishment to save a log and show it to an
expert is critically good advice. Not following that advice can really do some
damage to your system. SpyBot S&D, too, is capable of similar problems,
especially if you change default scan settings, or "Immunize".

An additional tool that is very helpful in protecting your machine is a HOSTS
file. Microsoft MVP Mike Burgess maintain a frequently updated list of bad
sites. They may be sites that provide most of the junky advertisements you see
in other places, or sites that install spyware/adware, or that, for whatever
reason, you shouldn't allow into your system. Using the HOSTS file, you can
redirect such addresses to a site that's guaranteed will fail to load on most
machines--your own computer.
HOSTS Overview -- http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

I also consider MVP George Gedye's HOSTS File Manager an indispensable tool.
I've been amazed at how well this one tool stopped most of the crap from getting
in in the first place. You can find it at the bottom of this page:
http://www.mvps.org/PracticallyNerded/Software.htm


--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"john" wrote in message
...
This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall. Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not responding)"
Any ideas ?

.

Sorry for delay (what time zone are you in ?). The wiggly
lines went away
I had to run msconfig again and click on "load startup
items". When I rebooted it went back to normal. Does that
mean there's something wrong in the Config.sys or
autoexe.bat files ?
Anyway - I learning lots (thanks). Below is
the "startup.txt" file :-

Microsoft Find Fast Startup Group "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\FINDFAST.EXE"
Office Startup Startup Group "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\OSA.EXE" -b
Microsoft Greetings Reminders Startup Group
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Home
Publishing\MHPRMIND.EXE"
PowerReg Scheduler Startup Group C:\WINDOWS\Start
Menu\Programs\StartUp\PowerReg Scheduler.exe
AIM Registry (Per-User Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM95
\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
ScanRegistry Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
TaskMonitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
SystemTray Registry (Machine Run) SysTray.Exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Run)
Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
TCASUTIEXE Registry (Machine Run) TCAUDIAG.EXE -off
DXM6Patch_981116 Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\p_981116.exe /Q:A
LVComs Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LVComS.exe
LoadQM Registry (Machine Run) loadqm.exe
CriticalUpdate Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
Lexmark X73 Button Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
Lexmark X73 Button Manager Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
LexStart Registry (Machine Run) Lexstart.exe
LexmarkPrinTray Registry (Machine Run) PrinTray.exe
RealTray Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program
Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
WebInstall2 Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\WEBINSTALL.EXE /R
FileFreedom_Plugin Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRAM FILES\FILEFREEDOM\wtm.exe
QuickTime Task Registry (Machine Run)
"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
Symantec NetDriver Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMON.EXE
New.net Startup Registry (Machine Run) rundll32
C:\PROGRA~1\NEWDOT~1\NEWDOT~2.DLL,NewDotNetStartup -s
ccApp Registry (Machine Run) "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
Symantec Core LC Registry (Machine Run)
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe start
URLLSTCK.exe Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program
Files\Norton Internet Security\UrlLstCk.exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Service)
Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
SchedulingAgent Registry (Machine Service) mstask.exe
ccEvtMgr Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
ccSetMgr Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccSetMgr.exe"
ScriptBlocking Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
ccProxy Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1
\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPROXY.EXE
SndSrvc Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1
\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SNDSRVC.EXE

-----Original Message-----
OK. The wiggly lines are possibly due to a video utility
not running, perhaps...

Anyway, the next step is to tell us what's in your
startup queue that might be
causing the problem. I suspect malware--parasites,
adware, spyware. I have a
long list of procedures you'll want to know about, but
before we get into those,
you'll want your system to be able to get back online.
So here's how to post the
list of startup items.

StartRun MSINFO32

When System Information opens, expand the Software
Environment, then click on
"Startup Programs", then click anywhere in the right-
hand pane. Next, press
Ctrl-A to select all, then Ctrl-C to Copy. Then, because
you need to transfer
this to the system you're using to post messages, go to
the desktop, right-click
anywhere, NewText Document. Call it "Startup.txt", open
it, then use Ctrl-V to
Paste in the list. Put that file onto a floppy to
transfer it to the machine
you're using to post, then copy the text from that file
into a reply message.

I'll post the other instruction in a separate post that
you can print out. Once
we know what is perhaps preventing the Desktop from
showing, we can re-enable
the rest and let you back online in order to download
the rest of the utilities
you'll want to install.

Sorry about the delay. Had to go to the store.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"john" wrote in
message
...
This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both
sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun
box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the
items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall.
Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not
responding)"
Any ideas ?

.


.

After I tried it with the Load Startup click on I tried
with the autoexec click on and it rebooted as normal, so
I then tried with the config click on and it rebooted as
normal. The msconfig is set back to normal and the
computer is booted fine - not sure how it "righted"
itself but everything seems fine now.
Many many thanks - is this your job or do you just love
computers ?
-----Original Message-----
OK. The wiggly lines are possibly due to a video utility
not running, perhaps...

Anyway, the next step is to tell us what's in your
startup queue that might be
causing the problem. I suspect malware--parasites,
adware, spyware. I have a
long list of procedures you'll want to know about, but
before we get into those,
you'll want your system to be able to get back online.
So here's how to post the
list of startup items.

StartRun MSINFO32

When System Information opens, expand the Software
Environment, then click on
"Startup Programs", then click anywhere in the right-
hand pane. Next, press
Ctrl-A to select all, then Ctrl-C to Copy. Then, because
you need to transfer
this to the system you're using to post messages, go to
the desktop, right-click
anywhere, NewText Document. Call it "Startup.txt", open
it, then use Ctrl-V to
Paste in the list. Put that file onto a floppy to
transfer it to the machine
you're using to post, then copy the text from that file
into a reply message.

I'll post the other instruction in a separate post that
you can print out. Once
we know what is perhaps preventing the Desktop from
showing, we can re-enable
the rest and let you back online in order to download
the rest of the utilities
you'll want to install.

Sorry about the delay. Had to go to the store.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"john" wrote in
message
...
This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both
sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun
box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the
items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall.
Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not
responding)"
Any ideas ?

.


.

I'd suggest doing all that Gary has offered.

I see 3 items you should stop from running all together:
Microsoft Find Fast Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\FINDFAST.EXE"

Office Startup Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OSA.EXE" -b

RealTray Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe
SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER

And 2 that are related to spyware and your P2P use:
WebInstall2 Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\WEBINSTALL.EXE /R



FileFreedom_Plugin Registry (Machine Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\FILEFREEDOM\wtm.exe

along with 1 more nasty that is most probably related to your P2P use:
New.net Startup Registry (Machine Run) rundll32
:\PROGRA~1\NEWDOT~1\NEWDOT~2.DLL,NewDotNetStartup -s


--
Brian A.

Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

"John" wrote in message
...
Sorry for delay (what time zone are you in ?). The wiggly
lines went away
I had to run msconfig again and click on "load startup
items". When I rebooted it went back to normal. Does that
mean there's something wrong in the Config.sys or
autoexe.bat files ?
Anyway - I learning lots (thanks). Below is
the "startup.txt" file :-

Microsoft Find Fast Startup Group "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\FINDFAST.EXE"
Office Startup Startup Group "C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\OSA.EXE" -b
Microsoft Greetings Reminders Startup Group
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Home
Publishing\MHPRMIND.EXE"
PowerReg Scheduler Startup Group C:\WINDOWS\Start
Menu\Programs\StartUp\PowerReg Scheduler.exe
AIM Registry (Per-User Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM95
\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
ScanRegistry Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
TaskMonitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
SystemTray Registry (Machine Run) SysTray.Exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Run)
Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
TCASUTIEXE Registry (Machine Run) TCAUDIAG.EXE -off
DXM6Patch_981116 Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\p_981116.exe /Q:A
LVComs Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LVComS.exe
LoadQM Registry (Machine Run) loadqm.exe
CriticalUpdate Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
Lexmark X73 Button Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
Lexmark X73 Button Manager Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
LexStart Registry (Machine Run) Lexstart.exe
LexmarkPrinTray Registry (Machine Run) PrinTray.exe
RealTray Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program
Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
WebInstall2 Registry (Machine Run)
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\WEBINSTALL.EXE /R
FileFreedom_Plugin Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRAM FILES\FILEFREEDOM\wtm.exe
QuickTime Task Registry (Machine Run)
"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
Symantec NetDriver Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMON.EXE
New.net Startup Registry (Machine Run) rundll32
C:\PROGRA~1\NEWDOT~1\NEWDOT~2.DLL,NewDotNetStartup -s
ccApp Registry (Machine Run) "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
Symantec Core LC Registry (Machine Run)
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe start
URLLSTCK.exe Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program
Files\Norton Internet Security\UrlLstCk.exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Service)
Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
SchedulingAgent Registry (Machine Service) mstask.exe
ccEvtMgr Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
ccSetMgr Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccSetMgr.exe"
ScriptBlocking Registry (Machine Service)
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
ccProxy Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1
\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPROXY.EXE
SndSrvc Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1
\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SNDSRVC.EXE

-----Original Message-----
OK. The wiggly lines are possibly due to a video utility
not running, perhaps...

Anyway, the next step is to tell us what's in your
startup queue that might be
causing the problem. I suspect malware--parasites,
adware, spyware. I have a
long list of procedures you'll want to know about, but
before we get into those,
you'll want your system to be able to get back online.
So here's how to post the
list of startup items.

StartRun MSINFO32

When System Information opens, expand the Software
Environment, then click on
"Startup Programs", then click anywhere in the right-
hand pane. Next, press
Ctrl-A to select all, then Ctrl-C to Copy. Then, because
you need to transfer
this to the system you're using to post messages, go to
the desktop, right-click
anywhere, NewText Document. Call it "Startup.txt", open
it, then use Ctrl-V to
Paste in the list. Put that file onto a floppy to
transfer it to the machine
you're using to post, then copy the text from that file
into a reply message.

I'll post the other instruction in a separate post that
you can print out. Once
we know what is perhaps preventing the Desktop from
showing, we can re-enable
the rest and let you back online in order to download
the rest of the utilities
you'll want to install.

Sorry about the delay. Had to go to the store.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"john" wrote in
message
...
This gets back to "normal" ("wiggly" lines on both
sides
of screen and when I alt/ctrl/delete only Explorer is
showing). I am using a different computer to reach this
newsgroup and I have disconnected the bad one from its
broadband connection

-----Original Message-----
Start in Safe Mode. Hold down or repeatedly press the
Ctrl key as the machine is
going through the initial phases (sometimes F8 works
better.) You should get a
Startup Menu, whence you can choose Safe Mode.

Assuming it starts OK in Safe Mode, go to StartRun
box.
Type in MSCONFIG, then
OK. Choose Selective Startup, then uncheck all the
items
below except Win.ini
and System.ini items. Click OK and reboot. If you get
into Normal Mode, remember
that you have no antivirus protection, nor firewall.
Be
careful. If on broadband
hookup, temporarily disconnect the cable. I'm assuming
you are using a different
computer to reach this newsgroup. Post back with the
results of this test.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in
message
...
The computer seems to startup OK (although I get
the "white" background)but no programs work - when I
Alt/Ctrl/Delete I see that "Explorer(not
responding)"
Any ideas ?

.


.

"John" wrote in message
...
Sorry for delay (what time zone are you in ?). The wiggly
lines went away
I had to run msconfig again and click on "load startup
items". When I rebooted it went back to normal. Does that
mean there's something wrong in the Config.sys or
autoexe.bat files ?

Don't know without seeing them, but you say the problems have gone away...
Might be that you had something necessary disabled before, perhaps. Could just
be that whatever changed one way and then back fixed a mixed up setting.

Anyway - I learning lots (thanks). Below is
the "startup.txt" file :-

Microsoft Find Fast Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft
Office\FINDFAST.EXE"
FindFast is not something most people use enough to justify the hit on
performance. And I'm being nice when I say that. Best way to get rid of it using
Office Setup. But you can try just deleting the shortcut from your
StartProgramsStartup folder and watching to see if it comes back.

Office Startup Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OSA.EXE" -b
Prelaunches some basic Office underpinnings, supposedly speeding up launching.
If you use Office a lot, particularly if you launch it meany times a day or use
the various programs interactively, you *might* see some benefit from OSA.
However, it is also one that tends to reappear mysteriously. Again, in the
Startup Folder

Microsoft Greetings Reminders Startup Group "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Home
Publishing\MHPRMIND.EXE"
If you use the Reminders then fine. I don't have any pros or cons other than my
natural bent towards doing without when in doubt.

PowerReg Scheduler Startup Group C:\WINDOWS\Start
Menu\Programs\StartUp\PowerReg Scheduler.exe
This is malware. See
http://www.pestpatrol.com/zks/pestin..._scheduler.asp

AIM Registry (Per-User Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM95 \aim.exe -cnetwait.odl
If you use AOL's Internet Messenger, then I'll assume you want to keep it.
Otehrwise, dump it. Uninstall it using Add/Remove Programs.

ScanRegistry Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
Scans the Registry at startup and makes a new backup if one does not already
exist for "Today". Leave it alone.

TaskMonitor Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
Can take a toll on performance, but it is responsible for keeping tabs on
process usage and provides Defrag with the info it uses to "Optimize" files for
faster startup and apps launching. I've almost always left it, the exception
being when even that small a hit on performance was too much for the system..

SystemTray Registry (Machine Run) SysTray.Exe
LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Run) Rundll32.exe
powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme

TCASUTIEXE Registry (Machine Run) TCAUDIAG.EXE -off
Probably a 3COM Network Card analysis tool. It runs and then quits, so there's
not real problem, but then it doesn't really do much useful that you can't do
when you actually encounter a problem with the NIC.

DXM6Patch_981116 Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\p_981116.exe /Q:A
Can't remember about this one for sure, but I'd leave it.

LVComs Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LVComS.exe
Necessary for accessing your Logitech Camera. Not sure, but I *think* you can
stop this one and only start it when you want to access the camera.

LoadQM Registry (Machine Run) loadqm.exe
See he http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=309418

CriticalUpdate Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\wucrtupd.exe -startup
Critical Updates Notification. schedules regular checks to see if there are any
new Critical Updates for your system at Windows Updates.

Lexmark X73 Button Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\ACMonitor_X73.exe
Lexmark X73 Button Manager Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\LEXMAR~1\AcBtnMgr_X73.exe
LexStart Registry (Machine Run) Lexstart.exe
LexmarkPrinTray Registry (Machine Run) PrinTray.exe
All four of these are background activities that Lexmark Printer uses to give
you more control, use special features, or provide feedback. I believe all of
them can be dispensed with, if you don't miss whatever function they provide.
I'd try disabling each alone and/or together to see if you actually miss
anything.

RealTray Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\realplay.exe
SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
Unless you're a Real Player fanatic, get rid of this one, preferably by finding
teh Option or Preference settings that prevents it. The location and wording
varies from version to version.

WebInstall2 Registry (Machine Run) C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\WEBINSTALL.EXE /R
Most likely a adware that accompanies ClipGenie software. Downloads ads to pop
up on your system. Can be problematic. Should remove.

FileFreedom_Plugin Registry (Machine Run) C:\PROGRAM FILES\FILEFREEDOM\wtm.exe
Same as above. Adware.

QuickTime Task Registry (Machine Run)
"C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
See the entry on Real Player. Same thing.

Symantec NetDriver Monitor Registry (Machine Run)
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMON.EXE
Part of Norton. I go into my feeling on Norton in my companion post. Uninstall
Norton, this goes away. And good riddance.

New.net Startup Registry (Machine Run) rundll32
C:\PROGRA~1\NEWDOT~1\NEWDOT~2.DLL,NewDotNetStartup -s
Adware/Spyware

ccApp Registry (Machine Run) "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccApp.exe"
Another part of Norton.

Symantec Core LC Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe start
More Norton.

URLLSTCK.exe Registry (Machine Run) C:\Program Files\Norton Internet
Security\UrlLstCk.exe
Yet more Norton.

LoadPowerProfile Registry (Machine Service) Rundll32.exe
powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
Needed. Keep it.

SchedulingAgent Registry (Machine Service) mstask.exe
This is Task Scheduler. You should open Task Scheduler and Stop it if you don't
actually have tasks running. Like Critical Updates. Otherwise, no biggy.

ccEvtMgr Registry (Machine Service) "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe"
ccSetMgr Registry (Machine Service) "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec
Shared\ccSetMgr.exe"
ScriptBlocking Registry (Machine Service) "C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Symantec Shared\Script Blocking\SBServ.exe" -reg
ccProxy Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPROXY.EXE
SndSrvc Registry (Machine Service) C:\PROGRA~1 \COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\SNDSRVC.EXE
Are we gagging on Norton yet? The above five items are yet more Norton bloat.

See my companion post on Clean Boot and security suggestions. It is very likely
that one or more of these were responsible for your problem. And I'm *certain*
that fully half of them should be gotten rid of by changing from Norton to
something else, by dumping unnecessary background apps, and by scouring your
system of Adware and Spyware. Another quarter
could probably be gotten rid of without your ever missing them.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"John" wrote in message
...
After I tried it with the Load Startup click on I tried
with the autoexec click on and it rebooted as normal, so
I then tried with the config click on and it rebooted as
normal. The msconfig is set back to normal and the
computer is booted fine - not sure how it "righted"
itself but everything seems fine now.

Not sure, either, but that's good to hear. Still, I'd consider my checklist in
my other response here just a few minutes ago and before going online you should
use MSCONFIG to disable the bad guys and much of the rest--just leaving the
basics and your Norton security apps until you get your system cleaned out of
malware.

Many many thanks - is this your job or do you just love
computers ?

I use computers to make a living (graphic design and publishing), and I consult
and repair them as a "paying hobby" because word-of-mouth brings needy people to
my doorstep or phone with problems that need solving. Family, friends of the
family, friends of friends, colleagues, etc.

When I began participating in newsgroups, it was due to an intense desire to
learn--I was relatively new to computers, self-taught and still learning...

And I was snowed in, living in a trailer. Had lots of time on my hands. Almost
my entire history of newsgroup participation has been in this very newsgroup. I
don't really know why I do it, or why I do it as much as I do. Just crazy,
perhaps.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/default.aspx