WINDOWS cannot find c:\windows\system32\winmc.exe

Question

I can't use my computer at all! I have Norton, but something must have got past it. When I try to enter any of our family accounts, I get a gazillion error messages, one after another, informing me that just about every conceivable .exe file cannot be found! When I check with ctl-alt-del to see what processes are running, there are just 4 processes running!!! Should I simply reinstall WinXP or try to repair??   HELP!!!!     -steve

volcano11 · Answer

You are infected with spyware. You may be able to remove all of the spyware and return your computer to normal if you can find an account where you can run programs. Note that Norton is farily ineffective when it comes to detecting and removing spyware. Download, install, update, and run the free versions of Ad-Aware and Spybot and let these programs remove all of the garbage that they find.

Next, go Here and follow the directions to download and run the analysis tool called HijackThis. Generate a log file, then open it and copy and paste the text of the log file in a message in the HijackThis forum - http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board?board.id=si_hijack where a HijackThis expert can offer advice on how to fix the problem.

Steve

sfranz007 · Answer

I cannot enter ANY account. Can I start from SAFE mode?   steve

volcano11 · Answer

If you can start from Safe Mode, then you should be able to run those programs from there.  To get into Safe Mode, start tapping the F8 key just before Windows starts to load. Steve

sfranz007 · Answer

I hope that XP will let me into an account (we have three - BRUCE, STEVE, and DAD) in SAFE mode. I wonder if SAFE mode will open with all of those .exe files missing! I'll give it a try when I get home this evening. Thank you so much for your time and expertise!!

Steve

Windows General

WINDOWS cannot find c:\windows\system32\winmc.exe

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