USERINIT.EXE

[gpalmer54]

I have an XP machine that had 4 different viruses....worms, Trojans, etc. It took awhile, but now it appears to be clean. However, when I login with Admin Rights, the OS ignores me. I can't open the System Icon while in Control Panel. I get an msg indicating that I either don't have permission or the path or file name is incorrect. I get the same msg when I try to open certain programs, i.e., Word, AVG, and so on... I can open IE, but only by clicking on the icon on the Quick Launch Tool Bar.

When I boot up and log on, I quickly open Task Mgr and listed there is a process called, "USERINIT.EXE". But, it's only there for about 2 seconds. I've gone into Safe Mode, but the OS still treats me the same. I've tried to delete the USERINIT file, but it won't let me do that either.

While typing this... I'm wondering if I could boot up using a floppy and delete the file that way. I just don't know. I'm almost to the point of wiping out the HD and re-installling everything.

This is my first post...Anyone out there have a soluting for me....?

[firstcircle]

Better if you don't delete that file..Give a look here:

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintas...brary/userinit/

Anyway, there's no need to boot your pc from a floppy.

IMHO you should first update all your antivirus / spyware cleaner then disable system restore.

Boot your machine in safe mode and perform a deep scan with both the categories of tools. This should help you in removing maliciuos files.

If you still have problem consider that it could be an issue of your OS (damaged files or misconfigured files). In this case you'd better format.

[gpalmer54]

I'd love to be able to update my antivirus software, disable System Restore, etc, but it will not let me access or open those programs. I was able to use Trend Micro's House Call, but that's about it. I can't even open a file that resides on a CD.

I downloaded a Virus Scan program that targets the Sasser on another PC on the network and copied it to the Desktop of my "problem" PC. I couldn't open the file until I changed the name of it. I don't know why it worked then...

Not having rights to open files or enter certain areas of the OS is a real problem.

[firstcircle]

Sorry gpalmer54, I completely forgot the first part of your message.

I couldn't open the file until I changed the name of it. I don't know why it worked then...

Some viruses close antivirus tools but I think that they check the task name not the file one..Hum...Very strange..