ick, this is bad...

[The_Captain]

So I'm fairly confident that the virus is gone, however the registry cleaner I ran got rid of the .exe file that a) stored the virus and b) is needed to log in. When I log in it immediately logs me back out - I know there's a way to get it back, it might be by reinstalling XP, but I can't remember...anyone know?

I found this on a CNET forum, let's see if this helps you:

THE REAL WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Insert the original Windows XP CD (Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is preferred, but not required) and reboot the computer. You may need to configure your computer to boot from the CD-ROM drive.
2. When the Windows XP Setup has started, press "R" to "repair the Windows XP installation using Recovery Console".
3. Select the Windows installation to repair (generally this is C:\Windows) by typing its number and then pressing ENTER.
4. Type the Administrator password and press ENTER.
5. Type the following commands:

D: [ENTER]
CD I386 [ENTER]
EXPAND USERINIT.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 [ENTER]

NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive has a different letter assigned to it, enter "X:" instead, where X is the appropriate drive letter.

After entering "EXPAND USERINIT.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32" you should see the text "1 file(s) copied", in which case all went well.

Remove the Windows XP CD, type "EXIT" and press ENTER to restart your computer. You should now be able to log on as normally.

[Guru13]

wow, that's...that's a little confusing - I was thinking I'd just upgrade to vista now like I've been wanting to do now that I have to reload the OS partly anyhow.

[The_Captain]

wow, that's...that's a little confusing - I was thinking I'd just upgrade to vista now like I've been wanting to do now that I have to reload the OS partly anyhow.

- well fixing OS issues is never easy and straightforward. All you're really doing is a repair of the OS, but if you were thinking of loading Vista (not sure why, but....) then you might try that. Do whatever is going to be easier for you....

[portisfan24]

I used a cream, virus went away in 3-5 days.

[Metroid]

I used a cream, virus went away in 3-5 days.

Yeah but it flares back up every 3 to 6 months.

[Dan Lambskin]

Scotta, from what I read of you, your computer is beyond the help of those free services. You will never get rid of them all.

It is time for any of you that are doing too many Shady things to reformat your hard drives, put a clean install in and consider changing your surfing habits.

You mean no more pr0n?

i have enough stored away on my HD...i should be OK

[Metroid]

Scotta, from what I read of you, your computer is beyond the help of those free services. You will never get rid of them all.

It is time for any of you that are doing too many Shady things to reformat your hard drives, put a clean install in and consider changing your surfing habits.

You mean no more pr0n?

i have enough stored away on my HD...i should be OK

I get tired of the same old stuff though.

[Dan Lambskin]

You mean no more pr0n?

i have enough stored away on my HD...i should be OK

I get tired of the same old stuff though.

true, true...every once in awhile you need to add to the collection...although i have more than i know what to do with as it is

[joejlitz]

I'd suggest you stop breaking the law.

Good thing Madison wasn't there with his sawed-off. We all know what he would have done had he seen you stealing.

One less criminal on the streets.

Kidding. Kidding.