bigger problems than I thought!

[docusk]

After being locked out of G mAil, I started up yesterday and faound my screen icons were very big, as was the print and all was very sluggish. I ran Ctrl PAnel with no improvement and constantly restarted. I then changed the startup by setting the CD-ROM as 1st didk but it didn't really help just put me into safe mode and still couldn't get at CTRL Pnl probperly, screen went completely white and wouldn't respond at all. Now the screen print is so small I can't read it (so plse excuse mistakes etc)
At one point it told me my AV prog was no running (Viper) but I coulodn't switch it on!. I can't run Malware bytes either.
Should I assume a nasty has got into the PC at some stage. I've even restored it to a previous point - 19th Aug - but thats no goood.

I wonder if I should re-install Windows 7 from the installation disk. If not, whatever steps can I take? I'm just going downstairs to get a magnifying glass to read your reply(ies).
A big HELP here guys.

docusk

[Midknyte]

You can try running Rkill, then Malwarebytes/Vipre
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill

If that still doesn't work, check out the VDR ICU instructions:
http://discussions.virtualdr.com/showthread.php?t=167915

[docusk]

Hi M K. I tried the routines you suggested but no joy. Eventually I got back to my AV provider support (as I thought) and ended up wiyh a very nice techie in Delhi, India who very confidently told me he'd fix it in a short while. he took control of my PC and soon the mouse was flying about but I'm deaf and he had a strong accent so it was hard work and eventually I old him just get on with it. After an hour, he had fixed it! Everything going well BUT.
He had taken out Malwarebytes, registry booster, Nero toolbar and driver heck which he said might have been the cause.
Now, you and lots of other including my AV provider, recommend Malwarebytes and I've just bought the full package.
Surely that can't be so. I have the installation CD of coursebut is it wise to re-install it?
The firm is called Techvedic, Delhi.

WhAt say you Gents all?
docusk

[Train]

Malwarebytes is fine.

registry booster and driver heck, I agree probably caused the problem and I highly recommend leaving those type of programs alone.

Nero toolbar, never found a use for it. And I run Nero too.

[Train]

Re System Mechanic and other similar "miracle tools"...

Registry cleaners/optimizers are not recommended for several reasons:


Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

The Windows registry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry) is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry (http://www.techsupportalert.com/pdf/e1209.pdf).
Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.
Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.
Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.
The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.


Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners (http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=643)
Do I need a Registry Cleaner? (http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/11/25/do-i-need-a-registry-cleaner/)

[docusk]

Oh Train!
That' what I call an answer. Your comprehensive reasoning should be a Sticky.
Though I'm old and grey, I do know when the real thing comes along. Thanks once again for your help. I bless the day when I discovered Sysopt all those years ago.

docusk

[Train]

old and grey , I see the same thing when I look in a mirror.