virus prevents me from opening programs

[anolanbfg]

Hi guys

My PC running XP pro seems to have developed a bug. Basically it stops me from opening any program files, including internet access and mcafee security.

I have 2 users accounts, I assume this is how it was set up from dell, so one is administrator and the other is in my name. Even in safe mode, i still can't access anything in my user account or even do a virus check- including stand alone software like mcafee stinger.

However in the Administrator account in safe mode everything works as normal and I have access to everything and can virus scan- problem is this hasn't fixed the problems in my user account.

Any ideas? Other than reformat just yet?


thanks!

[ferrett123]

you could reinstall windows without formatting in case you have files missing but when that happens to me i always format have you tried system restore ?

[anolanbfg]

yes- system restore won't run either- or doesn't seem to

I should point out that mcafee still doesn't work in admin mode but other virus programs, trend micro, ad aware etc do.

Dell didn't actually give me a disc copy of XP which was good of them- I might take the opportunity to format and switch to vista.

I'd really like to get my pc up and running again though rather than reformatting.

Not sure why virus programs running in admin mode would have no effect when switching to user- and why programs work in one and not the other.

i have noticed that an external drive has been changed from J: to M: for some reason


thanks

[leeboy1411]

Hi

Looks like you're only option is to get hold of an XP Disc and use the recovery console on the disc if this still doesn't work then you will have to reformat and install a fresh copy



Liam

[Steve.J.Davies]

after you re-install bear in mind that your current setup did not provide you adequate protection. if you don't close the door this will happen again.

[ferrett123]

yes i agree with that. i use Microsoft one care in vista ultimate you can use for 3 months then format and start another 3 months worked for me lol i find this better than any other security software i have ever used good luck

[nburg01]

If you don't want the hassle of re-installing XP you could try deleting your regular user account, then re-create a new account from scratch, login as this and see if you still get the same problems. This is worth trying if, as you say, everything appears to work OK if you login as admin, it's a lot quicker than re-formatting and re-installing XP from scratch.

Just login as admin, make a copy of the other account's profile (just in case you have any important documents saved there), then, from Control Panel - User Accounts, delete your other account, then create a new one. Login under this new account and see if XP now behaves itself.

If you still have the same problems then you have no choice but to re-format then re-install.