Can't get to command prompt in Windows XP - Just Loops

I can't get to a command prompt - it will not start in "Safe Mode" and will start to load Windows XP but then simply goes back to the black startup screen.

This is a laptop.

How do I get to a command prompt so I can run the OTL scan program?

Thanks,

John

Hello and welcome to GeekPolice.Net My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.

You may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to protect against viruses and other threats.
Additionally, purchasing an effective antivirus program is a good idea. This will protect your identity and your computer against all types of viruses and other malware. See the Cheetah Market now:
*****************************************************************
Go to this link to create a Rescue CD or to this site to create a Rescue USB. Carefully follow all the instructions for whichever method you choose.

I have tried the Rescue CD and Rescue USB and still can not get anywhere to a command line prompt or anywhere I can run OTL on.

Any other suggestions?

John

We'll try something else. Please be sure to follow the directions carefully.

We are going to be using a Windows Recovery Environment to help disinfect the system so it may boot again.

Download the OTLPE Standard REATOGO Windows Recovery Environment.

• Place a blank CD-R disc in to your CD burning drive.
  
• Download OTLPEStd.exe and double-click on it to burn to a CD using an ISO Burner. One can be found here.
  
• Reboot your system using the boot CD you just created.
  
• Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps here
  
• Your system should now display a REATOGO-X-PE desktop.
  
• Double-click on the OTLPE icon.
  
• When asked "Do you wish to load the remote registry", select Yes
  
• When asked "Do you wish to load remote user profile(s) for scanning", select Yes
  
• Ensure the box "Automatically Load All Remaining Users" is checked and press OK
  
• OTL should now start. Change the following settings
  
• Change Drivers to Non-Microsoft
  
• Press Run Scan to start the scan.
  
• When finished, the file will be saved in drive C:\_OTL\MovedFiles
  
• Copy this file to your USB drive if you do not have internet connection on this system
  
• Please post the contents of the OTL.txt file in your reply.
  

Here's a link for IMG burner which is not a trial version.

I managed to get the REATGO-X-PE desktop; however, when I double click the OTLPE icon it simply starts to open a box then quickly closes it within microseconds.

What now?

When you say the OS disk, are you referring to the XP disk?

JetAviator7 wrote:

When you say the OS disk, are you referring to the XP disk?

Yes. If you don't have it can you borrow one from a friend? It must be the exact same version as what's on your computer.

I have tried repeatedly to get any of these ideas to work and I can never get to anywhere I can run OTL.

I have tried everything you have suggested multiple times.

Any other suggestions?

Regards,

John

Please boot your computer using the OTLPE disk and then run MBAM and post the log. You will have to download MBAM to a memory stick or CD/DVD, transfer it to your laptop and then you will have to transfer the log using the same method.

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from here.
Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• Make sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
  
• If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  
• Once the program has loaded, select "Perform Full Scan", then click Scan.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When disinfection is completed, a log will open in Notepad and you may be prompted to Restart. (See Extra Note)
  
• Please save the log to a location you will remember.
  
• The log is automatically saved by MBAM and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy and paste the entire report in your next reply.
  

Extra Note:

If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove,you will be presented with 1 of 2 prompts,click OK to either and let MBAM proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately.