Re: Unable to start Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer

Hi Jobseeker :-)

You likely have a hijacker and/or malware on your system that is causing the problem and will require that you load the necessary removal tools to get rid of it. As you can not download these programs from the Internet, if your PC has CD read capabilities, go to another computer with CD-ROM burning capabilities. Create a folder on the hard drive of the other computer called
HOLD, download the programs to that folder, then burn that folder to a CD. Copy the HOLD folder to the hdard drive of the infected machine, then install the programs in the HOLD folder and run them. After you have IE access again, update all programs where possible to get the latest definitions and run them again in Safe Mode to be sure there are no lingering items on the system.If you can not connect to the Internet, you will have to use another PC to download the programs to it and burn them to a CD to load onto the infected machine.

Run the programs below in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. Some malware can replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if you have run some of the programs listed here, it is important that you run them again according to the information below so that Windows is not operating to hide any files 'in use' Follow all instructions carefully.

First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

Also…empty your Recycle bin.

Then do the following:

WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!

Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
or here
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/
and About Buster, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".

Then download, install and immediately update these three programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
AdAware Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
SpyBot S&D Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Next, do an Online scan here (if possible) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Make sure that you choose "fix" or "clean".

Download Pocket Killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily

Download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the most important
tools to help clean your system of scumware.  Follow the instructions
carefully:

How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html

Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
CastleCops HiJackThis Forum
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
or Bleeping Computer HiJackThis Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the program experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: Look for and read the "Important- Read This First" messages in the sections for HiJackThis logs so that you follow proper procedure. You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted or ignored.)

Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to this thread so that we can follow your progress there.

CAUTION!!!!!  Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE:  It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

How to Show Hidden  Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8

Hope this helps.

Jan :)
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

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It seems like my PC has been infected with virus. Since this morning I had
not been able to start Internet Explorer. Everytime I try, a message window
will pop up saying "Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and must
close" and then it will ask me if I want to send the error report to
Microsoft. Since the error report will be sent via IE and IE cannot be
launched, the transmission will always hang even if I agree to send the
report. Here is the detail of the report if it is to be sent:

AppName: iexplore.exe    AppVer: 6.0.2900.2180   ModName: ole32.dll
ModVer:5.1.2600.2180    Offset: 000426d0

The same problem will occur if I try to start a Window Explorer but of
course AppName will be explorer.exe in the above error report. I don't
believe I have install any program between two days ago and yesterday morning
but I do have inadvertently agreed to installing some kind of pnp through a
webpages. I have run Ad-Aware to scan and remove and suspicious object but
the problem still persist. However, before suggesting downloading the latest
security patch from Microsoft, please be reminded that I can't start Internet
Explorer now so I don't know if there is any way to update the security patch
bypassing Internet Explorer. Right now my PC has more or less rendered as
useless since neither Internet Explorer nor Window Explorer can be launched.
Any help will be much appreciated. Thank in advance 

.