Reply #5: Boot to Safe Mode and do a virus scan [View All]

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

While there go to START then RUN and type in MSCONFIG. When the utility opens, go to the STARTUP tab and see if there's anything that doesn't look like it belongs there, such as anything web/internet related, or .exe programs with nonsense names (this can be a virus). Uncheck as much as possible, reboot normally, and do a second virus scan (assuming your virus program is up to date).

To boot into Safe Mode, when the reboot starts, keep hitting the F8 key until a boot menu comes up. Use the up/down arrow keys to select Safe Mode.

NOTE: MSCONFIG.EXE was not included with Win2000. You can google it and download it if needed. The XP version works fine in 2000. It is included in all other versions of Windows.

If your computer works normally after this, you can use the MSCONFIG to turn on things previously turned off. This should be done one at a time (restore/reboot, restore/reboot after each item). Slow, but diagnosing things ain't always fast or easy.

On edit: Also, go to CONTROL PANEL, then ADD AND REMOVE PROGRAMS. Uninstall anything you do not recall installing-- anything that looks internet/web related, and anything you do not ever use.