In attempting to help an elderly woman with computer issues on her XP system(without a speck of security software installed, I found it infected with numerous spyware, trojans, etc. I managed to get it online, despite dozens of attempts by various malware to hijack my connection. I installed Avast 4.8 Home and restarted.
During the first boot-time scan it identified loads of infected files, some of which were in system/windows files, which I had “Move all to chest”. A few were not movable, Avast indicating they were “Read-Only”, which I said “ignore”.
Once it finished and Windows started, I still have some pseudo-pop-up window that says windows is infected, but I suspect that is either a main or side effect of something still in the system. The huge problem is no, desktop icons, no toolbar/taskbar/start menu (possibly Explorer not starting?) and therefore can’t further diagnose anything. When I restarted in Safe Mode, I can’t do a System Restore and Avast says it “can’t initialize chest” so no files to restore, and trying to open Task Manager freezes the computer.
Sorry for being so wordy- I’m trying to provide as much info as I can, so someone can tell me what to do- I’m lost!
Thanks in advance,
deeyan