[magicdavid]

Dear Peeps
At 70 odd (very odd !) years I take warnings lightly, so because I want MY computer to do WHAT I WANT IT TO DO, I always show ALL FILES and Extensions, in Tools\Folder Options\View and I've switched the options on and off, reset, AND done it again (and again and again and again).....

HOWEVER....

The Clever [email protected]:{}*&^% little Bug(er if you will excuse the expression) which seems to have taken over my PC has hidden (some) Folders normally found in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\

and because only I (Folder Name David) uses the PC, also......... C:\Documents and Settings\David\

The (main?) one missing is the all important Application Data (and its sub-folders of course)

If you 'Search' the folder/s aint there but just now and again the 'Address Bar' will reveal those Folders (as they must do) still exist.

I discovered the problem when once looking for the Quick Launch folder, I know where it is and should be but you cannot see it via Win Explorer nor 'Search'. You CAN rediscover it if you right click the Quick Launch Toolbar and 'open folder'..........

So that's the problem. I suspect it's to do with the Registry but how to put it right, what causes it, is it possible to prevent it (I drastically cured it with a re-install but hey, that's whatsname painful and it was only temporary because whilst my back was turned it hid it again).

So if some clever person out there can help this wrinkly enjoy his remaining days I'll consider getting the Stonemason to add some extra words to my Headstone.......
Thank yooooo Sooooooooo Much
In Anticipation
Magicdavid (Me Wand don't work no more so don't even say it)

 

[ThorXP]

Welcome to TSF....

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";
http://www.techsupportforum.com/sec...read-before-posting-malware-removal-help.html

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.

When carrying out The 5 Steps,
http://www.techsupportforum.com/sec...read-before-posting-malware-removal-help.html

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 The HJT 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.

 

[magicdavid]

Thank you thor, And whilst I pray you will not think I dare argue with your advice, thought you may like to know some further detail which could modify your consideration of my problem.

I do already have Spybot and Ad-aware SE Pro running (and regularly and fully updated).
Spybot has just done a complete system check and indicated 5 remaining cookies and a perhaps more serious complaint of ‘Error1058’ I have looked into it and cannot ‘enable’ the Security Centre (S.Cen.), if I select enable it reports “……….because it has no enabled devices associated with it”. To be blunt I don’t know what that means or how to associate whatever is needed, with it.

Incidentally, you may like to know that Ad-aware (which I also ran next, i.e. separately, invoking a full system scan reported only the five T. Cookies) it did not report the (S.Cen.) problem, and despite advising of six problems found, Spybot only dealt with the five tracking cookies and although reporting all problems resolved, a further manual check shows S.Cen. still disabled.

I have done your recommended visual ‘programs installed’ checks, and found nothing untoward.

My XP Pro is fully updated/validated, as is my Norton System Works Premier.

Perhaps you will kindly advise

Thank you and I do apologise for being verbose.

 

[chauffeur2]

Hello magicdavid, Welcome to TSF! :wave:

Not every Anti Virus or Spyware program can find all intrusions on any computer; hence, the reason that we have highly trained analysts in our HJT Help Support Forum here at TSF.
Some of the programs that you will be asked to download and install are specifically designed to give the analyst a detailed report of all programs (including "Rogue Programs") that are or might be on your computer.
These programs generate sophisticated logs that mean alot to the analysts but nothing to the untrained eye. :grin:
Once you have followed "The 5 Steps" process, and posted your HJT Logs etc, one of the analysts will read your logs and advise you what course of action needs to be taken.
Please be patient, as the HJT Analysts are very busy and it might take a day to get to your logs, but rest assurred they will answer your call.
I suggest that when you do post your logs, you set the Notification Type to Instant email Notification, this way you will receive an email as soon as the analyst has posted an answer to your request for assistance.

Heed the advice and Good Luck with it.

Kind Regards,

 

[magicdavid]

I am most grateful

Thank you