[Hawt]

Hey guys,

This is my first post on here and I hope you guys can help me. I have tried to be as detailed as possibly but please let me know if you require any more information.

I was recently struck with a Trojan that disabled my Anti-Virus software and Windows Defender. (wintems.exe/hdlrr.exe) I took care of that with GMER and some other assorted programs. I installed AVG Free and ran a full system scan to clear out anything I missed (it picked up one or two files) so I should now be clean.

EDIT: I forgot to mention this but I have also scanned my computer with the most current versions of Spybot S&D and AdAware 2007 and removed anything they picked up.

Ever since I removed the trojan/viruses though I have been having a very strange problem with Vista Home Premium (SP1) and I'm not sure what is happening. I have searched extensively and have found others with similar issues but nothing has worked for me yet. I thought I found a link to a Microsoft Hotfix that sounded late last night but I figured the issue would be resolved with the SP1 update and now I can't find the link again.

Anyways, recently Vista decided to stop showing my background wallpaper. If I right click on the desktop and go to personalize, I can click desktop background, but non of my pictures show previews. I can click on them and mouse over the details but if I try to set a picture it won't do anything.

See picture:

(The more solid one is "selected" and the other one is just being moused over)

Strangely though, if I switch over to the "Windows Wallpapers" Location I get a different result:

(I still can't set any of these as my background though)

Also, none of my pictures in Explorer will show thumbnails either:

One way to fix this I found out is to just cycle through all the view options until the thumbnails show back up. This is only temporary though, if I close out the folder and open it again the thumbnails disappear.

I have tried going to Organize>Folder and Search Options>View and Applying to all folders but it doesn't work. I also made sure the "Always show icons, not thumbnails" was NOT checked.

I did a virus scan yesterday with AVG Free (all updates and what not) and it came back clean so I'm not sure what the problem is.

I have also tried what they mention in this thread: http://winvistaforums.com/windows-vista-support/9990-windows-vista-background-won-t-change.html]HERE

and also I tried everything listed on this other thread on techguy.org which was for XP but I figured I would give it a try anyways: http://forums.techguy.org/windows-nt-2000-xp/616925-solved-can-t-change-wallpaper.html]THREAD HERE

Nothing really stuck out to me, but here is a HiJackThis! Log using the most current version of the program:

Originally Posted by HiJackThis

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 9:06:43 PM, on 3/20/2008
Platform: Windows Vista SP1 (WinNT 6.00.1905)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6001.18000)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Windows\Explorer.EXE
C:\Windows\system32\Dwm.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
C:\Windows\system32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgbhp.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Windows\system32\taskeng.exe
C:\Users\Tim\Desktop\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://www.visitborders.com/
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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =
O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SpywareGuard Download Protection - {4A368E80-174F-4872-96B5-0B27DDD11DB2} - C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\dlprotect.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Windows Defender] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe -hide
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'LOCAL SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: SpywareGuard.lnk = C:\Program Files\SpywareGuard\sgmain.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O13 - Gopher Prefix:
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {5F8469B4-B055-49DD-83F7-62B522420ECC} (Facebook Photo Uploader Control) - http://upload.facebook.com/controls/...toUploader.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/ge...sh/swflash.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{BE9F8794-367B-41DE-98AE-292E6F53F852}: NameServer = 65.32.5.74,65.32.5.75
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgwlntf - C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\avgwlntf.dll
O23 - Service: Ad-Aware 2007 Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware 2007\aawservice.exe
O23 - Service: Adobe LM Service - Adobe Systems - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe Systems Shared\Service\Adobelmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: Ati External Event Utility - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\Windows\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Resident Shield Service (AvgCoreSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgrssvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: SBSD Security Center Service (SBSDWSCService) - Safer Networking Ltd. - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDWinSec.exe
O23 - Service: TVersityMediaServer - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\TVersity\Media Server\MediaServer.exe

--
End of file - 6480 bytes

Thanks to everyone who looks at this for your time and hopefully we can figure it out! I'm just hoping to avoid having to format.

[unbidden]

Do you have a Vista DVD? Run a repair install:

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88...all-vista.html

[Hawt]

Thanks for the tip, I didn't even think of it. Though I am hesitant to do a repair install because it says it doesn't work with SP1. I might end up uninstalling SP1, doing the repair install and then updating again if it comes down to it. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

[unbidden]

Originally Posted by Hawt

Thanks for the tip, I didn't even think of it. Though I am hesitant to do a repair install because it says it doesn't work with SP1. I might end up uninstalling SP1, doing the repair install and then updating again if it comes down to it. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

The problem existed prior to installing Sp1; so I think it best to get things back to square 1. You can always install sp1 at a later time.

[Hawt]

Yeah I think that is what I am going to end up doing once I have some more free time to spend on it. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks!

[Hawt]

So I uninstalled SP1 earlier today and tried to do a Vista Repair Install.

Everything went smooth until the final reboot. It would only get to a safe mode screen then restart over and over again. I removed the Vista DVD thinking this may be the problem but it didn't do anything. I put the Vista DVD back in and it gave me the option to run the install disk so I did and removed the upgrade.

It didn't give me a specific error message, just saying that the installation failed and I was being reverted back to my previous install.

It was worth a try but fell a little short. Anyone have any ideas on what steps I should take next?

[unbidden]

My guess is it's something to do with Themes. If you have a program on the 'puter that adds or controls themes, remove it. If not, have you tried switching between Vista's themes?

If no luck, tt this point I would back up all critical data and run a clean format and install.

[Hawt]

I have tried switching themes and the theme switches but the background doesn't

I was planning on building a new computer in the upcoming months so I'll probably just deal with it until then.

Thanks for trying to help everyone!

[prince4world]

Start>control panel>system and maintenance>Performance information and tools>
On the left click
Adjust visual effects
Then select the box
'show thumbnails instead of icons'

now all your pictures will be displayed

[XcentryK]

prince4world - That didn't work.

I'm having the same issue: all my thumbnails (even the little file previews on all folders) are gone.
They show up momentarily if I refresh the explorer window, but they disappear just like that.

This started happening out of nowhere a few hours back and I've been trying everything. All the "Enable Tumbnails on Vista" tutorials failed to work so it must be something trickier.

Would appreciate any kind of help since I really can't afford to do a format right now.

Thanks in advance =).

[jnlannon]

I had the same problem and this worked for me, open any Windows Explorer window (not IE) such as My Computer, go to Tools on the menu (you may need to press the Alt key once to see the menu), then Folder Options… In this window click the View tab and under advanced settings check the status of “Always show icons, never thumbnails”. This one will need to be unchecked to see thumbnails, especially in the Desktop Background chooser. That’s all I got. Please drop a reply if this works for you.

Jim
P.S. Please note that this looks similar to the post from prince4world but it’s completely different.

[Droler]

I have the same situation after manually cleaning VIRTUMONDE (a nasty Trojan) from Vista Home Premium SP1.

The system is free of viruses and other malware (as checked by Spyware Doctor, F-Secure scan from the web, Spybot and AVG - overkill maybe but the malware I had is particularly intrusive).

I tried the above suggestion for fixing thumbnail views in some explorer windows. That works - but only inside Explorer windows - and not in the PREVIEW window for Desktop wallpapers. Those still come up like little blue boxes with no pictures, or with the generic bitmap icon. Desktop wallpapers still will not display no matter what. All the suggested fixes up till this post have been tried, along with a few others (like the settings in Control Panel for ease of use where you can suppress background images) but nothing brings back the desktop.

My Windows is activated and registered, so it isn't that.

Sure would like to get this fixed if anyone has any new ideas!