[Frank Dave]

I can't seem to use my task tray (the lower grey bar which displays my start menu and all applications that are open in Windows). When I place my mouse over any of the application boxes or my start menu or any other icons in that tray, I get the caution bell and non access to the programs. :4-thatsba However, I can still access the programs and get them to launch if I go to my program files on my C: drive and launch them from there. I can also launch any programs or applications from any shortcut icons on my desktop.

This is super strange and I think that it may be from a virus that I downloaded which my virus protection must have been unable to rid of.
:4-dontkno

My 2 questions are as follows:

1. Has anyone had this problem and how do you fix it?

2. Can anyone recommend a good virus, malware, spyware program that will be sure to protect me from online saboteurs?

 

[Fren Banklin]

Well I guess the first question would be did you have an AV solution to begin with ? If not, you could be completely infected, and this latest sympton is only the one that you noticed.

Running naked on the internet is not a good idea. Malware will interfere with your ability to install anti-virus software.

I think, if it were my computer, the best thing to do would be to pull the HD and install it as slave on another, well-protected computer and scan it that way. First to get a sense of if & how badly it's infected and second to try to clean up as much stuff as possible before reinstalling it on the original computer and trying to install an anti-virus software.

Most people like AVG for good, free and light protection.

 

[Frank Dave]

Thanks for your reply Fren! I guess that I should have mentioned that I do have AVG Free and have been using that as my AV. However, I'm looking for AV that will keep me completely secure and will protect me from Spyware, Malware, and Viruses all in one nice little package. I don't mind paying for the software so long as I can trust it. Just looking for anyone that has an AV full version that they use and trust.

 

[Fren Banklin]

AVG 8 has everything but the firewall.

 

[Coolfreak]

Not sure if this tool can help you, but see if this helps at all.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

If not, I would suspect you are infected and you need to get expert help with malware removal. We have trained experts here that can help you.

To get Expert Help with malware removal:

I recommend that you read this article… ( Simply, click on the links to be re-directed.)

"Having problems with spyware and pop-ups? First steps;

IMPORTANT - Read This Before Posting For Malware Removal Help

Please follow the instructions very carefully; then, post all the requested logs and information; as instructed, in the HiJackThis Log Help Forum.

http://www.techsupportforum.com/security-center/hijackthis-log-help/

Please ensure that you create a new thread in the HiJackThis Log Help Forum; not back here in this one.

IMPORTANT - Read This Before Posting For Malware Removal Help

When carrying out The 5 Steps,

If you cannot complete any of them for whatever reason, just continue on with the next one until they are all completed.

However, it is extremely important to make mention of the fact that you could not complete any of the steps in your post to HiJackThis Log Help Forum.

http://www.techsupportforum.com/security-center/hijackthis-log-help/

Where an Analyst will assist you with other workarounds.

Once done, please be patient, as the Security Team Analysts are usually very busy; one of them will answer your request as soon as they can.