Explorer.exe problem

[flugie62]

I have a problem with the process explorer.exe. Whenever I turn on my computer, the welcome loads fine and everything. When I get to my desktop, after about 5-10 seconds the icons and bottom bar dissapear. They reappear 5-10 seconds later and continue this cycle anywhere from 1-10 times. I just recently found out with help from another message board that the problem is tied to the explorer.exe process, since that also dissapears when the icons and bottom bar dissapear. However, nobody knew what to do from there.

System restore doesn't work, and i'm not looking to reformat my hard drive because I have lots of music files on there and other important files. I am not able to get to my files because whenever the screen dissapears it closes everything out except applications such as internet browsers, media players and games. Anybody have a clue on what to do?

 

[Dacrath]

I would say that the most likely culprit is spyware of some kind or another interfering with the explorer process. I personally prefer hijackthis to check such things but you may want to wait for someone with more knowledge about such things.

 

[Malovane]

I would say that the most likely culprit is spyware of some kind or another interfering with the explorer process. I personally prefer hijackthis to check such things but you may want to wait for someone with more knowledge about such things.

Exactly right. What you want to use is ComboFix:

Try http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/Beta/ComboFix.exe .

It did the trick for me when I had the same problem, and no other program would. Read the docs on it, though.. there are several things you do not want to do while running it (really, you just want to leave it alone).

You can also try Malwarebytes. I've had more success with that lately than any of the other programs.

 

[covertxt5]

i typically use the built in method to windows xp which is msconfig

go to run - type in msconfig - go to startup tab - than hit the disable all button - hit ok and reboot.

 

[Kari]

You can use your internet browser to get to your files, just type c: into the addres bar. at least my IE6 works like that and even if the explorer.exe is killed the browser window won't shutdown cause it's different proces

 

[covertxt5]

oh and after which - install avg free editon and run a full system scan. problem should be solved - if not go to internet properties and reset all to default settings.

 

[BadTrip]

there are several things to do. if you have access to another computer go to www.filehippo.com and download adaware 2008, spybot, ccleaner, avg free edition. boot in safe mode by pressing f8 at after bios screen. adaware, spybot and ccleaner will install in safe mode. install, update and run them. Remove anything they find, then restart and install avg. update and run it, removing anything it finds, then run ccleaner and scan for registry errors, and repair them. That should help.

 

[flugie62]

The combofix.exe worked and now it's back to running normally, but now I need a little more help. Thanks to all who responded, really helped me out. For over a year now I get some processes that pop up that make my computer run extremely slow, internet seems to be hit the hardest but if i'm also playing a game it is very apparent to me. I have run a ton of scans over the year to try and locate the problem but have had no luck, but since you guys helped me out with my previous problem i'm sure you would know what to do!

The processes are called this if my memory serves right: AUDPDATE.EXE, Lucums_server_3_4.EXE, and if I don't stop those processes a bunch of these processes pop up called something like lullcallbaxproxy.exe. No idea what they are for or if they are good or bad, but my guess is bad since it just drains my computer so badly.

 

[BadTrip]

follow my instructions. those processes are spyware

 

[fiSHtITS]

reformat

 

[BadTrip]

I agree a format may be necessary, but I always use that as a last option.

 

[ZootyGray]

Keep the kids off the pc

I run adaware for spyware (free version)
And AVG free

Add-remove all junk.
Delete all other junk.
Run "RegVac" registry cleaner. (in Novice Mode)

IF IT'S RUNNING - BACK UP YOUR STUFF RIGHT NOW. cd's or dvd's or another hdd

OR = reformat and reinstall - probable best fix cos you are going to be chasing junk for a month. Get a girlfriend and stay off the porn sites. And quit downloading useless junk and clicking in idiot ads. Use firefox browzer with ADBLOCK - I don't get ads.