[Midlight]

hi, i've got a computer with an unknown virus on it. it's similar to the spools virus, however, it has disabled almost all executables. it's also disabled start menu (windows hot key still works), task manager, control panel and a few others. i can access control panel by typing control in the run box (run on start menu is gone, using windows key + R). it does this in normal mode as well as safe mode. i usually start my removal process with combofix then SDfix and go on from there but this virus has prevented any and all virus removal programs from running (except for AVG 7.whatever). any ideas on how to get one of these programs to run, preferably combofix?

[Mumbodog]

Most likely the virus changed the file association for .exe files.

Is it Vista or XP?

Vista
http://www.winhelponline.com/article...ows-Vista.html

Xp, scroll down to "EXE File Association Fix for Windows XP"
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_e.htm

[Midlight]

it's an xp system

[Midlight]

i'm running a chkdsk on it right now from the xp cd, i know that's not gonna solve it, but it's doing something. after it's done i'm gonna take out the hard drive and scan it from another pc with malwarebytes

[Rich-M]

I would take the hard drive out and scan it with Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and a good antivirus program on another computer. That should give you enough removal to oput it back in and install those programs and scan in your system.