Cannot search or update Windows...

fable · 06-04-2006, 09:05 AM

Hello-
I'm fixing a Windows 98 laptop for a friend, and I've run into a big stumbling block: I can't use the Find Files or Folders tool. Each time I try to use it, the computer locks up and must be rebooted.
This may be completely unrelated, but I also cannot download the ActiveX control that would allow me to use Windows Update.
I am aware of viruses and spyware on this computer and I'm in the process of getting rid of them, but I'm worried that the searching/ActiveX issues may be file corruption rather than a symptom of virus or spyware infection.
Any help would be appreciated!

**manic** · 06-04-2006, 06:55 PM

I would think that a virus or spyware could and would cause corruption.
So until you eliminate a virus of some sort you will not be able to fix
the corruption. Everything else is out the window. Maybe you should
point this thread to security.

Geekgirl · 06-04-2006, 08:48 PM

Hi and Welcome to TSF

I would like to see you post a HiJackThis Log so one of our highly trained security analyst can help you clean out your computer. Some infections require certain removal technics and if you remove an infection the wrong way can make for a big headache.

Please look over the link below, instructions for posting a HiJackThis Log is also included.

First Steps at Removing the Malware and Posting your HJT Log

fable · 06-06-2006, 05:43 PM

Hello,
I've posted my HijackThis log in the appropriate forum: Cannot search or update Windows...

Thanks in advance for your help!

Geekgirl · 06-07-2006, 07:33 AM

If your issue is found not to be malware related just come back to this thread for further instructions.

06-04-2006, 09:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
fable Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98	Cannot search or update Windows... Hello- I'm fixing a Windows 98 laptop for a friend, and I've run into a big stumbling block: I can't use the Find Files or Folders tool. Each time I try to use it, the computer locks up and must be rebooted. This may be completely unrelated, but I also cannot download the ActiveX control that would allow me to use Windows Update. I am aware of viruses and spyware on this computer and I'm in the process of getting rid of them, but I'm worried that the searching/ActiveX issues may be file corruption rather than a symptom of virus or spyware infection. Any help would be appreciated!

06-04-2006, 06:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 5,245 OS: xp	I would think that a virus or spyware could and would cause corruption. So until you eliminate a virus of some sort you will not be able to fix the corruption. Everything else is out the window. Maybe you should point this thread to security. __________________

06-04-2006, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Geekgirl Assistant Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Six-burgh, Pennsylvania Posts: 14,183 OS: XP Home SP3/XP Pro SP3/Vista Ultimate SP2/Windows 7 Professional	Hi and Welcome to TSF I would like to see you post a HiJackThis Log so one of our highly trained security analyst can help you clean out your computer. Some infections require certain removal technics and if you remove an infection the wrong way can make for a big headache. Please look over the link below, instructions for posting a HiJackThis Log is also included. First Steps at Removing the Malware and Posting your HJT Log __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista Or Windows 7 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM *The Pittsburgh Steelers - 6 X Superbowl Champions !!!!!!!* *The Pittsburgh Penguins - 2009 Stanley Cup Champions !!!!!!!*

06-06-2006, 05:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
fable Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3 OS: Windows 98	HJT Log Posted Hello, I've posted my HijackThis log in the appropriate forum: Cannot search or update Windows... Thanks in advance for your help!

06-07-2006, 07:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Geekgirl Assistant Manager, Microsoft Support Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Six-burgh, Pennsylvania Posts: 14,183 OS: XP Home SP3/XP Pro SP3/Vista Ultimate SP2/Windows 7 Professional	If your issue is found not to be malware related just come back to this thread for further instructions. __________________ Compare NOD32 to your current antivirus and anti-spyware solution, HERE How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista Or Windows 7 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 98/ ME / NT 4.0 / 2000 I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILS AND WILL NOT REPLY TO THEM !!!!! TSF DOES NOT SUPPORT ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMAIL OR PRIVATE MESSAGES, PLEASE KEEP ALL QUESTIONS IN THE OPEN FORUM *The Pittsburgh Steelers - 6 X Superbowl Champions !!!!!!!* *The Pittsburgh Penguins - 2009 Stanley Cup Champions !!!!!!!*