Something prevents programs from loading

rpmorrow · #1 (**permalink**) 23-12-2008, 02:02 PM

Hi,

have a strange problem on a pc where some programs will not load even though the exe shows up in the process list of task manager.

I've scanned with malwarebytes, and ran several registry fixers, but no joy.

It seems like something is running that is getting in the way of proper operation, but i cant find what it could be. (checked msconfig, services.msc, etc)

I do notice that if i press alt+tab, there is something showing as running called "Form1" with an icon i don't recognize. I cant see it in task manager or anywhere else, so i dont't know how to kill it. Maybe this is the problem.

Also quicklaunch shortcuts seem to have random icons at startup. Fine if I kill and restart explorer.exe. Tried several fixes found on web for this, but problem persists.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Digerati · #2 (**permalink**) 23-12-2008, 03:54 PM

"Some programs will not load" does not give us much to go on. Which ones?

When did the problem start? If it just started, did you try System Restore?

Running MBAM is good. Did you purge the system of clutter (temp files and cookies) first?

My first thought when you said "Form1" was that it belonged to Word or some editing program you recently used. If me, and I recently used Word (or the like) I would open Word, then open a document on a local hard drive, make a minor change then save and exit - this is to ensure the MRU (most recently used) cache is not pointing to a networked or now detached storage device.

If that scenario does not apply, then I recommend you post a HJT log as instructed in these HijackThis Procedures.

Dan Penny · #3 (**permalink**) 23-12-2008, 06:10 PM

Have you (to your knowledge), or, anyone using your machine, recently dabbled in; Form1 Software? This software involves scripting and runs in a browser.

If not (to your knowledge), you may have picked up some form of spyware/malware. I suggest you try the measures outlined here; Cleaning Up And Speeding Up
If this doesn't help, or (other) issues remain which cannot be resolved through these measures,,,,,,

I recommend you first post a HijackThis log for review by our security experts.

Follow the instructions here-> HiJackThis prerequisites. There are important measures outlined here which affect and "optimize" the outcome of your HJT log.

Then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs Forum.