explorer.exe

[Lilly]

Just a quick question as far as explorer.exe goes---is it true that when it is located somewhere other than in windows..like in system32 that it IS a virus?

[glc]

Not necessarily. I have a copy in the service pack files subfolder and in the dllcache folder in system32.

[Lilly]

Originally Posted by glc Not necessarily. I have a copy in the service pack files subfolder and in the dllcache folder in system32.

Me too. So, when you say Not necessarily....do you mean that if it is an EXACT copy.....like the size, version..etc is the same, then it's ok? I was curious because of all the conflicting stories I have read on the net. I was having MAJOR issues with this computer--and all the "bugs" aren't worked out yet which is why I joined this place. Thanks!!!

[glc]

Again, not necessarily - older versions may be in there to allow for update and service pack uninstalls.

How about giving us a detailed description of the issues you have been having and what you have done so far to correct them. System details would be helpful.

[Lilly]

Well, first of all, I have had issues since I took this comp outta the box. My ex bought it for me in Feb of 07. 3 days after I got it, I came home from work, turned it on and got "OS NOT FOUND". My ex joined this site asking about it, but he got banned for cursing. Thanks to whoever did that!!!! Anyway. Awhile back, I noticed how slow everything was. Task manager showed that explorer.exe was hogging almost all the resources. I would shut it down and then restart it via RUN, explorer.exe. I researched that and that's when I read that it could be a virus.
I have a dell dimension E521. Came with Vista that I used Killdisk on and installed XP. EX is in possession of the disk now and won't return it.


This is what I did after the issues of slow start, and thinking I had a virus.
http://forums.thatcomputerguy.us/ind...showtopic=1190

Then I went to the section of how I got infected and took the test:
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/

However, now I can't get pages to display and am locked out of ebay and hotmail cause my settings won't allow it. I am just trying to be safe. I seriously believe my ex put a keylogger on here. I also believe he hacked my yahoo email and deleted everything. The alternate email that was displayed after I finally got back into my account was one that he stole from his ex-wife.

[glc]

Honestly, I'd spend the 90 bucks to buy a new copy of XP Home OEM and killdisk it again. You are pretty much stuck without it.

[Lilly]

Thanks. Problem is, I don't have the killdisk (but I know how to download and unzip and burn it to a disk) nor the $90 bucks to correct this. What I am thinking about doing is reinstalling the original Vista and getting a "new" wireless card that works with it. But, I HATE Vista.

[glc]

If you have the XP CD key, you can borrow a copy from someone and burn your own copy. It just has to be the same type - retail, upgrade, or OEM - and Home, Pro, or MCE.

You can read out the key using Magical Jellybean.

http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

[Lilly]

Originally Posted by glc If you have the XP CD key, you can borrow a copy from someone and burn your own copy. It just has to be the same type - retail, upgrade, or OEM - and Home, Pro, or MCE. You can read out the key using Magical Jellybean. http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Hey, that's cool information! Thanks. I will check with friends to see who has a disk. I really appreciate the help.

[Entri3]

Originally Posted by glc Honestly, I'd spend the 90 bucks to buy a new copy of XP Home OEM and killdisk it again. You are pretty much stuck without it.

Agreed

[Lilly]

I FINALLY was able to get an XP disk and I killdisked my HD. Now I have other issues and I don't know where to go for help. I have not learned how to navigate this site yet and I have to say that I am 2 seconds from throwing this computer OUT the window.

[glc]

What's the problem?

[Lilly]

Originally Posted by glc What's the problem?

It was minor. Updated drivers after activating my xp. Got it figured out and all is better------except for my slow internet. I will look around the site for answers to that. Thanks!!