Hangs during bootup

[Dakeyras]

Hi.

You could try this methodology instead:-

How to copy data from a corrupted user profile to a new profile in Windows XP

If that still does now work the only other options would be consider a repair of the Operating System:-

How-to repair Windows XP

Or a actual a reformat and reinstallation of the Windows Operating System. Not a lot else I can advise to be quite honest. Anyway might as well clean up tools etc as follows...

Reset SR Points/Clean up with OTL:

• Double-click OTL to start the program.
• Copy the lines from the codebox to the clipboard by highlighting ALL of them and pressing CTRL + C (or, after highlighting, right-click and choose Copy):

:Commands
[ClearAllRestorePoints]

• Return to OTL, right-click in the Custom Scans/Fixes window (under the cyan bar) and choose Paste.
• Then click the red Run Fix button.
• Let the program run unhindered. When finsihed click on OK and close the log that appears.
• Note: I do not need to review the log produced.
• Now close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot.
• On the OTL main screen, depress the CleanUp button.
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

The above process will flush old Sytem Restore points and create a new clean one. It should also clean up and remove the vast majority of scanners used and logs created etc.

Any left over merely delete yourself and empty the Recycle Bin.

[Dakeyras]

What was the outcome please ?

Also would you care for some online safety advice etc that you could in turn pass along to your friend and or merely provide the URL to my reply etc ?

[Specba]

Sorry for the delay. Had some family/social obligations.

I wanted to see if I could come up with a solution to the corrupted profile issue. The shut down his machine so my wife could shampoo the carpet. When I rebooted his icons started coming in with no delay. I can't explain it other than Microsoft sent out another update.

I'll finish up and get ack to you in an hour or so.

Specba

[Specba]

OTL gave me an error message when I ran Run Fix. The cleanup ran perfectly. The icon delay seems to be gone.

My plan is to set up Spybot to run from scheduled tasks.

The link will be good to your suggestions to avoid re-infection.

Dan depends so heavily on the computer that he is very likely to heed your advice.

I am also encouraging him to make a donation to keep the good work coming.

Specba

[Dakeyras]

Hi.

Prior two posts acknowledged...

If your friend wishes to donate, can click here

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Regarding support for XP by Microsoft as a whole I mentioned about in a prior post...

Overall support is winding down for XP SP3. Support for Windows XP is ending on April 8, 2014. .

So once next year comes your friend will need to check(or check now, upgrade if possible) if the machine can be updated to any of the other Operating Systems:-

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

In the event the machine does not meet the specifications for upgrading to any of the above Operating Systems my advice would be keep the machine off-line(as in no active internet connection) once Microsoft has discontinued support next year and merely use as a stand alone work-station for example as using a unsupported Operating System online is sure fire way for it to become badly compromised.

--------------

Now for the below is about the advice I mentioned about in post #62, fairly generic(part of my stock if you will) in nature but worth heeding in my humble opinion...

Importance of Regular System Maintenance:

I advice you read both of the below listed topics as this will go a long way to keeping your Computer performing well.

Help! My computer is slow!

Also so is this:

What to do if your Computer is running slowly

Now some advice for on-line safety:

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware:

This is a excellent application and I advise you keep this installed. Check for updates and run a scan at least per once a week.

Other installed security software:

Your presently installed security application, Norton Internet Security(the actual AV component) automatically checks for updates and downloads/installs them with every system reboot and or periodically if the machine is left running providing a internet connection is active.

I advise you also run a complete scan with this also at least once per week.

Erunt:

Emergency Recovery Utility NT, I advice you keep this installed as a means to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.

Myself I would actually create a new back up once per week as this along with System Restore may prove to be invaluable if something unforeseen occurs!

Be careful when opening attachments and downloading files:

Never open email attachments, not even if they are from someone you know. If you need to open them, scan them with your antivirus program before opening.
Never open emails from unknown senders.
Beware of emails that warn about viruses that are spreading, especially those from antivirus vendors. These email addresses can be easily spoofed. Check the antivirus vendor websites to be sure.
Be careful of what you download. Only download files from known sources. Also, avoid cracked programs. If you need a particular program that costs too much for you, try finding free alternatives on Sourceforge or FileHippo.

Stop malicious scripts:

Windows by default allow scripts (which is VBScript and JavaScript) to run and some of these scripts are malicious. Use Noscript by Symantec or Script Defender by AnalogX to handle these scripts.

Avoid Peer to Peer software:

P2P may be a great way to get lots of seemingly freeware, but it is a great way to get infected as well. There's no way to tell if the file being shared is infected. Worse still, some worms spread via P2P networks, infecting you as well. My advice is avoid these types of software applications.

Hosts File:

A Hosts file is like a phone book. You look up someone's name in the phone book before calling him/her. Similarly, your computer will look up the website's IP address before you can view the website.

Hosts file will replace your current Hosts file with another one containing well-known advertisement sites, spyware sites and other bad sites. This new Hosts file will protect you by re-directing these bad sites to 127.0.0.1.

Here are some Hosts files:

• MVPS Hosts File
• hpHosts

Only use one of the above!

Consider Installing WinPatrol:

WinPatrol alerts you about possible system hijacks, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission.

Download it from here.

You can find information about how WinPatrol works here.

Next:

This is a very helpful/useful set of advice from Microsoft: Microsoft Safety & Security Center as is this also: So how did I get infected in the first place?

Any questions? Feel free to ask, if not stay safe!

[Specba]

Once again I want to thank you for your patience and expertise. I will return his machine to him this afternoon.

I can set up much of what you suggest as a scheduled task, but I will take the time with Dan to go over your recommendations so he will understand what he needs to do.

My suggestion for him will be to go with Windows 7. Vista has too much overhead and I have not been impressed with Windows 8. I'm working part-time and we have had two Windows 8 machines deployed at work. It seems the interface was meant for a touch screen.

Specba

[Dakeyras]

Acknowledged and you're most welcome!

Windows 7(64 bit architecture) would be the most prudent to upgrade too in my humble opinion/if feasible.

With regards to Vista, must admit not particularly keen myself and often reminds me of the debacle that was Windows Me. As for Windows 8, well that for me is merely akin to a Android Operating System on steroids and far from user friendly in my point of view via a Anti-Malware support role. Though my son thinks it is great, kids eh!

[Dakeyras]

Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could be of assistance.

If you're the topic starter, and need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member with the address of the thread.