Re: Task manager, Command Prompt, Registry Editor - All disabled

Seth wrote:
Hi,
I am using a genuine Windows XP Home edition.
Since last few days, despite using the administrator account, the Task manager, Command Prompt, Registry Editor have all been automatically disabled.

Just not able to get them back.

When I start the laptop, i get a message "Failed to connect to Internet", with 2 button "Work Offline" and "Try again"

I was worried if it was due to a virus so I tried installing the latest Norton Antivirus, but that too is getting stuck up at the activation screen.

So neither I can install/uninstall anything, nor can run the antivirus program, and cannot even access any admin utilities.

Usually you can't install an antivirus on an already-infected machine. And Norton would be one of the worst choices anyway. I don't see from your post why you think you can't install anything, but it may still be possible to clean up the machine. Only you know your skill level; if you don't have pretty good computer skills, see the Standard Caveat at the end of this post.

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Include scanning with David Lipman's Multi_AV and follow instructions to do all scans in Safe Mode.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV - instructions
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/sicherheit/35905/multi_av_scanning_tool.html - download site

The site is in German but David's tool is in English so don't let that worry you. Scroll all the way down to almost the bottom of the page and you'll see a box titled "Infos Zum Download - Multi-AV Scanning Tool". You'll see "Download von www pctipp.ch" and the live link to download Multi_AV.

You can also check to see if there are targeted removal steps for your malware here:
Bleeping Computer removal how-to's - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum55.html

When all else fails, run HijackThis and post your log in one of the specialty forums listed at the first link above (not here, please).

Standard caveat: If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local version of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be aware that not all local shops are skilled at removing malware and even if they are, your computer may be so infested that Windows will need to be clean-installed. Have all your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
.