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descriptionHelp! Windows XP Meltdown EmptyHelp! Windows XP Meltdown

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Hi, I have spent the past two days trying to remove a virus effecting my computer--to no avail. I primarily use the machine for music production, and my past year of work is now at stake. Here's the chronology: A few weeks ago most web search engines failed with the similar error "cannot display page". I downloaded several recommended virus scan/malware removers, but they either failed to install or mysteriously shut down while they ran. The computer was otherwise operational up to this point. Two days ago I attempted to watch a Twin Peaks episode from a flashdrive a friend lent me. WMP opened and displayed the status "checking codec" prior to shutting down without warning. So I unplugged the flash, deleted the file and restarted Windows. The following are the resulting symptoms that I am experiencing currently:

1.) At my login screen Windows initiates an automatic shutown procedure counting down from 60 seconds. I cannot ctrl alt del while this is happenning.
2.) I receive an error message when I attempt to recover Windows to the "last known good configuration."
3.) When I recover to a specific date the system restarts.
4.) I was initially able to download combofix among other antimalware and registry tools, but when they ran, they either closed after a few seconds or the system restarted.
5.) I tried Windows Online Virus Scan, and the virus uninstalled and deleted Internet Explorer from the computer.

I have modified the registry in safe mode according to several step-by-step fixes provided online. After one such adjustment I was able to start in standard mode, but after login startup froze at "applying your personal settings." Here are my specific questions:

Will I risk corrupting an external hard drive if I backup my personal files at this point?

Is there a way to reinstall the OS without losing my files?

Is there any hope of cleaning my system without reinstalling the OS?

Any other insights would be greatly appreciated.

descriptionHelp! Windows XP Meltdown EmptyRe: Help! Windows XP Meltdown

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Hello.

Will I risk corrupting an external hard drive if I backup my personal files at this point?


Unlikely, but back up your files anyhow.

Is there a way to reinstall the OS without losing my files?


Pretty much answered that yourself above.

Is there any hope of cleaning my system without reinstalling the OS?


Not too sure, depends what malware is on the system.

Download OTL by OldTimer to your Desktop.

  • Close all windows and double click OTL.exe
  • Click Run Scan and let the program run uninterrupted
  • It will produce two logs for you, one will pop up - OTL.txt, the other will be saved on your Desktop - Extras.txt. Post both logs in this thread.
  • You may need to use two posts to get it all.
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