AOL trashware problem

[joetech]

using WinME,MSI Mb,AMD 2g CPU,215m RAM. AOL 8.0 locked up which started the problem. Have uninstalled and installed vers. 7,8,9 with no lock. Uninstalled AOL and installed Compuserve, same problem. None of the normal phone numbers will connect, only one special phone number will connect. Reads email but no internet access. The system was getting slower and ran defrag with no change. One step away from formatting the C drive.
Hope someone can help with hijackthis.
Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 6:11:41 PM, on 4/8/2004
Platform: Windows ME (Win9x 4.90.3000)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.50 (5.50.4134.0100)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGSERV9.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\TNT2-64\VI_GRM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\MIXER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\LAUNCHER\CTLAUNCHER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\SBPCI512\AUDIOHQ\AHQTB.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LYCOS\IEAGENT\LOADER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RESTORE\STMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\3CMLNKW.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\REAL\REALPLAYER\REALPLAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZONEALARM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPUSERVE 7.0\CSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\U.S. ROBOTICS\INTERNET CALL NOTIFICATION\CALLWAITING.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\U.S. ROBOTICS\CONTROLCENTER\REMINDER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOTDD01.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOHMR08.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOEVM08.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOSTS08.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://server224.smartbotpro.net/7search/?hkcu
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://default-homepage-network.com/start.cgi?hkcu
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://default-homepage-network.com/start.cgi?hklm
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://server224.smartbotpro.net/7search/?hklm
F1 - win.ini: load=C:\TNT2-64\vi_grm.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00000EF1-0786-4633-87C6-1AA7A44296DA} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {000006B1-19B5-414A-849F-2A3C64AE6939} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {0019C3E2-DD48-4A6D-ABCD-8D32436323D9} - C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCHealth] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\Support\PCHSchd.exe -s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LexStart] Lexstart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LexmarkPrinTray] PrinTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [C-Media Mixer] Mixer.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative Launcher] C:\Program Files\Creative\Launcher\CTLauncher.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AudioHQ] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBPCI512\AudioHQ\AHQTB.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ClrSchLoader] \Progra~1\Lycos\IEagent\Loader.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bxxs5] RunDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL,DllRun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [3Cmlink] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\3cmlnkW.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SJTER40M] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SJTER40M.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [*StateMgr] C:\WINDOWS\System\Restore\StateMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpyKiller] C:\Program Files\SpyKiller\spykiller.exe /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [atiupdate] C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE
O4 - Startup: CompuServe 7.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\CompuServe 7.0\cstray.exe
O4 - Startup: U.S. Robotics Internet Call Notification.lnk = C:\Program Files\U.S. Robotics\Internet Call Notification\CallWaiting.exe
O4 - Startup: Instant Update Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\U.S. Robotics\ControlCenter\Reminder.exe
O4 - Startup: hpoddt01.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
O4 - Startup: hp instant support.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\hpis\bin\matcli.exe
O4 - Startup: hp psc 1000 series.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpohmr08.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: ZoneAlarm.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send Image to Photo Library - file://C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\MGI\PhotoSuite4\Temp\MGI00000.html
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/18ee9f8f4f399f...ip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.c...8025.6344907407
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/...ash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {FF65677A-8977-48CA-916A-DFF81B037DF3} (WMService Class) - http://download.overpro.com/WildApp.cab

 

[Cookiegal]

You have some viral activity in the log so I will request that this thread be moved to Security for better assistance.

Cookie

 

[Flrman1]

Moved to Security.

 

[Flrman1]

Click here to download CWShredder. Close all browser windows,UnZip the file, click on the cwshredder.exe then click "Fix" (Not "Scan only") and let it do it's thing.

When it is finished restart your computer.

IMPORTANT!: To help prevent this from happening again, I strongly recommend you install the patches for the vulnerabilities that this hijacker exploits.

The simplest way to make sure you have all the security patches is to go to Windows update and install all "Critical Updates and Service Packs"



Go here and download Adaware 6 Build 181

Install the program and launch it.

First in the main window look in the bottom right corner and click on Check for updates now and download the latest referencefiles.

Make sure the following settings are made and on -------ON=GREEN

From main window :Click Start then Activate in-depth scan (recommended)

Click Use custom scanning options then click Customize and have these options selected: Under Drives and Folders put a check by Scan within archives and below that under Memory and Registry put a check by all the options there.

Now click on the Tweak button in that same window. Under Scanning engine select Unload recognized processes during scanning and under Cleaning Engine select Let windows remove files in use at next reboot

Click proceed to save your settings.

Now to scan just click the Next button.

When the scan is finished mark everything for removal and get rid of it.(Right-click the window and choose select all from the drop down menu and click Next)

Restart your computer.


Then go here and download Spybot Search & Destroy.

Install the program and launch it.

Before scanning press Online and Search for Updates .

Put a check mark at and install all updates.

Click Check for Problems and when the scan is finished let Spybot fix/remove all it finds marked in RED.

Restart your computer.

Come back here and post another Hijack This log and we'll get rid of what's left.

 

[joetech]

Currently don't have access to CDRW. Adaware is too large for floppy.
Will check on path for WinME.
Ran CWShredder and SpyBot.
Installed AOL 8.0...setup screen locked up.
Ran Compuserve , shows error at home page, email access but no internet access.
Ran Juno, logged in ok, Ran download for Adaware and computer locked up before complete. Tried AOL suggestion, Cntl+Alt+Del and remove everything except Explorer and Systray. Didn't help.
New logfile below. (note: TNT2 is the video card)

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 4:58:14 PM, on 4/12/2004
Platform: Windows ME (Win9x 4.90.3000)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v5.50 (5.50.4134.0100)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGSERV9.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\AOL\ACS\ACSD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LEXBCES.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RESTORE\STMGR.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\TNT2-64\VI_GRM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LXSUPMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\MIXER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\LAUNCHER\CTLAUNCHER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\SBPCI512\AUDIOHQ\AHQTB.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LYCOS\IEAGENT\LOADER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\3CMLNKW.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\REAL\REALPLAYER\REALPLAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZONEALARM.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMPUSERVE 7.0\CSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\U.S. ROBOTICS\INTERNET CALL NOTIFICATION\CALLWAITING.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\U.S. ROBOTICS\CONTROLCENTER\REMINDER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOTDD01.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOHMR08.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINZIP\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AMERICA ONLINE 8.0\AOLTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AOL COMPANION\COMPANION.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOEVM08.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\DIGITAL IMAGING\BIN\HPOSTS08.EXE
A:\HIJACKTHIS.EXE
A:\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

F1 - win.ini: load=C:\TNT2-64\vi_grm.exe
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00000EF1-0786-4633-87C6-1AA7A44296DA} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {000006B1-19B5-414A-849F-2A3C64AE6939} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: IE Agent - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000221} - C:\PROGRA~1\LYCOS\IEAGENT\CSIE.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00000762-3965-4A1A-98CE-3D4BF457D4C8} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\LYCOS\SIDESEARCH\SIDESEARCH13218.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {0019C3E2-DD48-4A6D-ABCD-8D32436323D9} - C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: @msdxmLC.dll,-1@1033,&Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCHealth] C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\Support\PCHSchd.exe -s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LexStart] Lexstart.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LexmarkPrinTray] PrinTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LXSUPMON] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\LXSUPMON.EXE RUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [C-Media Mixer] Mixer.exe /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Creative Launcher] C:\Program Files\Creative\Launcher\CTLauncher.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AudioHQ] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBPCI512\AudioHQ\AHQTB.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ClrSchLoader] \Progra~1\Lycos\IEagent\Loader.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bxxs5] RunDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL,DllRun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [3Cmlink] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\3cmlnkW.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SJTER40M] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SJTER40M.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RealTray] C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\RealPlay.exe SYSTEMBOOTHIDEPLAYER
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [*StateMgr] C:\WINDOWS\System\Restore\StateMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [AolAcsDaemon1] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\AOL\ACS\ACSD.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SpyKiller] C:\Program Files\SpyKiller\spykiller.exe /startup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [atiupdate] C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE
O4 - Startup: CompuServe 7.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\CompuServe 7.0\cstray.exe
O4 - Startup: U.S. Robotics Internet Call Notification.lnk = C:\Program Files\U.S. Robotics\Internet Call Notification\CallWaiting.exe
O4 - Startup: Instant Update Reminder.lnk = C:\Program Files\U.S. Robotics\ControlCenter\Reminder.exe
O4 - Startup: hpoddt01.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpotdd01.exe
O4 - Startup: hp instant support.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\hpis\bin\matcli.exe
O4 - Startup: hp psc 1000 series.lnk = C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Digital Imaging\bin\hpohmr08.exe
O4 - Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O4 - Startup: America Online 8.0 Tray Icon.lnk = C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aoltray.exe
O4 - Startup: AOL Companion.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL Companion\companion.exe
O4 - Global Startup: ZoneAlarm.lnk = C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zonealarm.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send Image to Photo Library - file://C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\MGI\PhotoSuite4\Temp\MGI00000.html
O9 - Extra button: Related (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger (HKLM)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: MSN Messenger Service (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Real.com (HKLM)
O9 - Extra button: Sidesearch (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/18ee9f8f4f399ff7e116/netzip/RdxIE601.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?38025.6344907407
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {FF65677A-8977-48CA-916A-DFF81B037DF3} (WMService Class) - http://download.overpro.com/WildApp.cab

 

[Flrman1]

Run Hijack This again and put a check by these. Close all windows except HijackThis and click "Fix checked"

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00000EF1-0786-4633-87C6-1AA7A44296DA} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {000006B1-19B5-414A-849F-2A3C64AE6939} - (no file)

O2 - BHO: IE Agent - {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000221} - C:\PROGRA~1\LYCOS\IEAGENT\CSIE.DLL

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {00000762-3965-4A1A-98CE-3D4BF457D4C8} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\LYCOS\SIDESEARCH\SIDESEARCH13218.DLL

O2 - BHO: (no name) - {0019C3E2-DD48-4A6D-ABCD-8D32436323D9} - C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ClrSchLoader] \Progra~1\Lycos\IEagent\Loader.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [bxxs5] RunDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\BXXS5.DLL,DllRun

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SJTER40M] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SJTER40M.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [atiupdate] C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE

O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://207.188.7.150/18ee9f8f4f399f...ip/RdxIE601.cab

Restart to safe mode and delete:

The C:\PROGRAM FILES\LYCOS folder
The C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\ATIUPDATE5.EXE file

How to start your computer in safe mode

 

[joetech]

Did the fix but AOL still locks up, Compuserve will dial in only with a special number and then can use only email...no internet access. Juno login works for a few minutes and locks up.

 

[joetech]

Thought I would format the C: drive. Booted with the WinME startup floppy then selected CD support. Error says it can not find the CD drive.
Decided to uninstall Compuserve 7.0 and install 6.0 which dialed up with no problem. Cycled Compuserve several times to get all the system downloads. Improved each time. Works ok on internet for a while then mouse pointer disappears. End task back to Desktop and still no mouse pointer. Have to reboot in order to get the mouse to display. Tried to download the Cleaner, screen locked up.

 

[joetech]

update;
Used Compuserve for a few days. The mouse pointer started jumping around at times. Looked like a virus to me. Tried the WinME startup floppy again and it worked this time with CD access. Fomatted the C: drive and installed WinME and AOL 9.0 which is working. I still don't know why the startup disk could not find the CD drive a few days ago. The jumping mouse pointer virus evidently got past zonealarm and AVG.
Thanks to everyone for your help