[c0rruptioN]

i have 2 antivirus programs protecting my computer, they came with it.
once in a while i might look in the tray and see that there both gone ??
i look in the task manager and their processes are gone too 2x .
im using Symatec Antivirus and SUPERAntiSpyware. any idea why they both would disappear(shut off)? does this happen when you change resolutions by any chance?

[Byteman]

Hi,

Please do this:

Let's have you post a log from Hijackthis and maybe we can spot anything out of place:
go to Click here to download HJTsetup.exe

• On that page, click the icon
• at lower right , and follow the prompts to get the installer version
• Save HJTsetup.exe to your desktop.
• Double click on the HJTsetup.exe icon on your desktop.
• By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Hijack This.
• Continue to click Next in the setup dialogue boxes until you get to the Select Additional Tasks dialogue.
• Put a check by Create a desktop icon then click Next again.
• Continue to follow the rest of the prompts from there.
• At the final dialogue box click Finish and it will launch Hijack This.
• Click on the Do a system scan and save a log file button. It will scan and then save the log and then the log will open in Notepad.
• Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" to copy the entire contents of the log.
• Paste the log in your next reply.
• Don't use the Analyse This button, its findings are dangerous if misinterpreted.
• DO NOT have Hijack This fix anything yet. Most of what it finds will be harmless or even required.

Don't forget this second part:

_ _ _ _
Please also do this:

• Open Hijack This and click on the "Open the Misc Tools section" button.
• Click on the "Open Uninstall Manager" button.
• Click the "Save List" button. After you click the "Save List" button, you will be asked where to save the file. Pick a place to save it then the list should open in notepad.
• Copy and paste that list here in your reply

[c0rruptioN]

32 Bit HP CIO Components Installer
ACE Mega CoDecS Pack
Adobe Flash Player Plugin
Ask Toolbar
ATI - Software Uninstall Utility
ATI Display Driver
AVS Video Converter 6
AVS4YOU Software Navigator 1.2
CABAL Online
Company of Heroes
DotA Client Build b1.8 (Final Beta)
EA Download Manager
FLV to AVI MPEG WMV 3GP MP4 iPod Converter 3.2.0607
Fraps (remove only)
Free Games Offer, Desktop Shortcut
FrostWire 4.13.5
GameSpy Arcade
HijackThis 2.0.2
HP Officejet All-In-One Series
Java DB 10.3.1.4
Java(TM) 6 Update 3
Java(TM) 6 Update 6
Java(TM) SE Development Kit 6 Update 6
JCreator LE 4.50
Learning Essentials for Microsoft Office
LiveUpdate 2.0 (Symantec Corporation)
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft Halo
Microsoft Math
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003
Microsoft Student 2007 for Learning Essentials
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2007
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
Microsoft WorldWide Telescope
Mozilla Firefox (3.0)
MSN
MSXML 4.0 SP2 Parser and SDK
Nero 6 Ultra Edition
Painkiller Overdose build 75 (NA)
Silkroad
SlimBrowser (remove only)
Source SDK Base
SPORE™ Creature Creator Trial Edition
SRA ecSRO
Starcraft
SUPERAntiSpyware Professional
Symantec AntiVirus
TeamSpeak 2 RC2
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory
Ulead GIF Animator
Ventrilo Client
VideoLAN VLC media player 0.8.6c
WinRAR archiver
WinZip
World of Warcraft
Xfire (remove only)

[c0rruptioN]

C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Ventrilo\Ventrilo.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.silkroadonline.net/itemmall/silkcharge.asp
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {0579B4B6-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: Ask Search Assistant BHO - {0579B4B1-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Encarta Web Companion Helper Object - {955BE0B8-BC85-4CAF-856E-8E0D8B610560} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Web Companion\2007\ENCWCBAR.DLL
O2 - BHO: Ask Toolbar BHO - {F0D4B231-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Encarta Web Companion - {147D6308-0614-4112-89B1-31402F9B82C4} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Web Companion\2007\ENCWCBAR.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Ask Toolbar - {F0D4B239-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EA Core] C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EADM\Core.exe -silent
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'Default user')
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Encarta Search Bar - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe

--
End of file - 6402 bytes

[Byteman]

Hi, The top portion of your HJT log did not get posted, it needs to be seen, can you re-run HJT please and post new log?

[c0rruptioN]

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:12:26 PM, on 7/1/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe
C:\Program Files\Ventrilo\Ventrilo.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.silkroadonline.net/itemmall/silkcharge.asp
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - {0579B4B6-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: Ask Search Assistant BHO - {0579B4B1-0293-4d73-B02D-5EBB0BA0F0A2} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\SrchAstt\1.bin\A2SRCHAS.DLL
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: Encarta Web Companion Helper Object - {955BE0B8-BC85-4CAF-856E-8E0D8B610560} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Web Companion\2007\ENCWCBAR.DLL
O2 - BHO: Ask Toolbar BHO - {F0D4B231-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Encarta Web Companion - {147D6308-0614-4112-89B1-31402F9B82C4} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Web Companion\2007\ENCWCBAR.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: Ask Toolbar - {F0D4B239-DA4B-4daf-81E4-DFEE4931A4AA} - C:\Program Files\AskSBar\bar\1.bin\ASKSBAR.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [vptray] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANT~1\VPTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [EA Core] C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EADM\Core.exe -silent
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\RunOnce: [ShowDeskFix] regsvr32 /s /n /i:u shell32 (User 'Default user')
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Encarta Search Bar - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus Definition Watcher (DefWatch) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\DefWatch.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: SAVRoam (SavRoam) - symantec - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\SavRoam.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Symantec AntiVirus - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus\Rtvscan.exe

--
End of file - 6402 bytes


missed it sorry

[Byteman]

Hi,

No malware showing, but there are some things to do.....I have asked someone to take a look, but they are not around TechGuy right now and probably won't be until tomorrow.

I'd like to ask that you simply wait till you have a reply here from
this other person. I have asked Jintan to stop by.

I've not run into the issue showing in your log, but Jintan has, so I would like to have you get help from him, if you don't mind.

And to reply to your question about screen resolution, NO, doing that should not have caused the problem you are having, but I have seen it cause some odd display issues, like unreadable text on the taskbar, wiggly graphics, etc.

[c0rruptioN]

already thank you very much sir.

[Byteman]

OK- Jintan should be around tomorrow, when he first comes to the forums, he will see my message and should reply here.

[Jintan]

Late my time, but I did see the PM. When you say your anti-malware softwares "came with" your computer, you mean the previous owner installed them? Byteman had asked about the unusual "ShowDeskFix" RunOnce registry entries showing in the logs. As shown they suggest a post install action, and I sense these are related to an IE7 Add-on install tweak. Seems to be popular when running virtual machine setups and including in something known as a "slipstream" install of the operating system. Not really sure what all else it might do though. Do you know of someone installing an IE7 Add-on package there?

I might mention you do have IAC Search and Media's Ask Toolbar. IAC is better known for their adware/spyware software MyWebSearch. Both even share similar files and functions, so I wouldn't recommend keeping that on your computer.

Let's go ahead and get more details here and check further.

To keep them from interfering with the repairs, be sure to temporarily disable all antivirus/anti-spyware softwares while these steps are being completed. This can usually be done through right clicking the software's Taskbar icons, or accessing each software through Start - Programs.


Download Deckard's System Scanner (dss.exe) to your Desktop. Note: You must be logged onto an account with administrator privileges.

Making sure dss.exe is directly on your desktop, go to Start - Run, and copy/paste the following (then press OK):

"%userprofile%\desktop\dss.exe" /config

When the DSS Configuration display opens click the "Check All" button (if the "Uncheck All" button shows, click that, then click "Check All"). Next, Under Main Log, uncheck the following:

System Restore
Temp Cleanup
Process Modules

Then under Options, place a check next to the following:

Backup Registry Hives

Don't make any other changes at this time. Then click the "Scan!" button to start the scan.

Once the scan has completed a textbox will appear - copy/paste those contents back here (main.txt). Also a second text file, extra.txt, will show as minimized in your Task Bar. Maximize/Open this, and copy/paste those contents back here along with the main.txt please. (The logs can also be found in the C:\Deckard\System Scanner folder)

You can use extra posts here if needed for that.

[c0rruptioN]

just to be sure, this disclaimer thats pops up when you put "%userprofile%\desktop\dss.exe" /config in the run screen says that it will temporarily remove all my files?
is it guaranteed that this won't screw anything up more the it already is?
Also i don't use IE7, i use ff3. when i got my computer back(from reformating)
i didn't use IE7 at all, ff2 was on my desktop so i used it. Unless the guy who formated added some features to IE7.

[Jintan]

With the exception of making certain backup copies and Restore Points, Deckards is a diagnostic tool only, so doesn't make changes. From your info just posted sounds like an IE7 Add-on is a means of incorporating something from IE7 into what I referred to before, a slipstream installation. I would wonder if there are other issues from that. Have you tried to do any Windows updates since getting the computer back?

[c0rruptioN]

Well no i don't do windows updates(only A.V. updates). They come abruptly and i don't find them to do much good. Is that something that could cause a problem like your seeing?

[Jintan]

You truly will want to change your views of MS updates. They include actual corrections for errors found, and also security flaws the infection vendors can use. Without them, at some point after using the internet you will get your computer seriously infected. But some of the software that was there after the reformat/reinstall you mention appears to have been introduced as part of a single, slipstreamed XP installation copy. And I suspect these problems with the software are part of that as well. The update question is really related to seeing if your copy is a valid copy. If you cannot update this install, then you are in the situation I just described. Have you been able to successfully contact and at least have the Windows update site review your system for updates yet? You say you are not using IE, which does show as installed. Have you tried to use IE yet?

[c0rruptioN]

I've used IE when doing procedures with my ISP before. to be honest i don't know if this is a valid copy of windows, i bought this computer relatively cheap(450$ 3 years ago) from someone who i would say is a reliable source but i think it might be an invalid copy like you said .