Several symptoms...

[bennypr0fane]

Hello,
Here are the problems that make me think my computer has a bug:
- Usb-ports not working (devices plugged into ports not recognized/no reaction)
- system time changes randomly after each boot
- screen resolution sometimes altered after booting

My system is running WinXP SP3, always up-to-date and usually protected by Antivirus (now Avira)+ Spybot S&D + Emsisoft A-squared Anti-Malware. For browsing I use Opera or Firefox.
I've done several scans using different tools (Spybot, Malwarebytes, Emsisoft A-squared Anti-Malware Alwil Avast, Avira Antivir, Kaspersky Antivirus, Trendmicro Housecall) largely inconclusive except for a few tracking cookies - Spybot didn't find anything.
The problem hasn't been there continuously, it disappeared for a while after a series of scans, only to come back later.
The biggest problem is that i can't use usb-devices anymore, including printer, mouse, keyboard (now using PS/2-mouse/keyboard). I think it's software related, because the usb-thing is not the only problem (see above), and it's not constistently there all the time, but sometimes usb works (can't tell why)
Any suggestions?

Thanks, Ben

[pskelley]

Welcome to Safer Networking, I wish to be sure you have viewed and understand this information.
"BEFORE you POST" (READ this Procedure before Requesting Assistance) http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
All advice given is taken at your own risk.
Please make sure you have read this information so we are on the same page.

You need to read and follow the "Before you Post" instructions, I placed a link above. You should review all pinned (sticky) links so you can see stuff like this:

Do NOT run 'FIXES' before helpers have analyzed the HJT log
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=16806

I don't know if this is malware or hardware issues? I will see if I can help if you will read and follow the directions.

Thanks

[bennypr0fane]

Hello,
1. I (hopefully - at least it seems so for now) already fixed the problem by reinstalling the whole system from zero. Many thanks for your kind offer though.
2. I actually did browse through all the "read-before-posting"-stickies PRIOR to posting, but to be honest, I didn't read them very thoroughly, since it seemed an awful lot to read before I could start getting my problem fixed. I apologize in case I have broken any posting rules and if yes (maybe that was why no-one responded for such a long time?), I'd be curious to know which one I broke and promise to re-read everything forward and back if you tell me.
3. In case you directed me to these instructions to make sure about no liabilities arising from advices taken by me etc., don't worry: it all seems pretty much common sense to me; I hope to be a responsible person, which specifically entails here to not try and hold others responsible for my own actions :angel:
4. The new problem I am facing now is how to retrieve single files from the backup I made before reinstalling. It seems the backup is only good for restoring everything at once - including the bugs - but I actually need only my e-mail and contacts back.
I'afraid though this is pretty off-topic here? :sad: If yes, I'd be thankful for a suggestion where to ask.
Thanks, Ben


Welcome to Safer Networking, I wish to be sure you have viewed and understand this information.
"BEFORE you POST" (READ this Procedure before Requesting Assistance) http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
All advice given is taken at your own risk.
Please make sure you have read this information so we are on the same page.

You need to read and follow the "Before you Post" instructions, I placed a link above. You should review all pinned (sticky) links so you can see stuff like this:


I don't know if this is malware or hardware issues? I will see if I can help if you will read and follow the directions.

Thanks

[pskelley]

Yeah it is, you may find what you are looking for here:
http://spyware-free.us/tutorials/reformat/
http://www.cyberwalker.net/faqs/how-tos/reinstall-faq.html
http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat

or try asking your questions at a good Windows XP forum, here are two:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum56.html
http://www.techsupportforum.com/microsoft-support/windows-xp-support/

Or ask for help here:
http://support.microsoft.com/

Thanks

[bennypr0fane]

Thank you for these great links!
Ben