Re-Appearing Desktop Shortcut

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all files
in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.


"troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
>I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all on its
> own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is. The
> icon
> is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
>
> The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and AntiSpyware, as
> well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to eradicate
> with
> no success.
>
> I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the URL
> in
> the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
>
> Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I can
> do -
> either manually or with software?
>
> Thanks.
> --
> Trouble Shooter

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Fitz,

Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted everything in
the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I rebooted, the
shortcut came back.

More suggestions?

Thanks,

"Fitz" wrote:

> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all files
> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
>
>
> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all on its
> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is. The
> > icon
> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
> >
> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and AntiSpyware, as
> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to eradicate
> > with
> > no success.
> >
> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the URL
> > in
> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
> >
> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I can
> > do -
> > either manually or with software?
> >
> > Thanks.
> > --
> > Trouble Shooter
>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Have you run all those programs in Safe Mode? Make sure System Restore is
off. HijackThis is also a good program to use (free) as well as BHODemon
(free). I don't know that these programs would help in your particular
problem. Just on an off chance, right click on the desktop, select
Properties, select Desktop, select Customize Desktop, select Web, and see if
anything in there is checked. Let us know.

"troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B3BA8B1B-0E3D-45E8-A649-DCBDB5F8B236@microsoft.com...
> Fitz,
>
> Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted everything in
> the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I rebooted,
> the
> shortcut came back.
>
> More suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
>
> "Fitz" wrote:
>
>> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all
>> files
>> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
>>
>>
>> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
>> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all on
>> >its
>> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is.
>> > The
>> > icon
>> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
>> >
>> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and AntiSpyware,
>> > as
>> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to eradicate
>> > with
>> > no success.
>> >
>> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the
>> > URL
>> > in
>> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
>> >
>> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I can
>> > do -
>> > either manually or with software?
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> > --
>> > Trouble Shooter
>>
>>
>>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Thanks again, Fitz.

I checked the desktop properties, and the only thing checked was "lock
desktop items". Unchecking had no effect.

I did run the software in Safe Mode. The PC has Ad-aware 6 Pro, but I
couldn't run it in Safe Mode - it wasn't there!!-??? Spybot found a few
things, but couldn't delete one dll. That I deleted manually.

When re-booting normally, the IE-shortcut icon came back. It's very
persistent. But then, so am I. I've got a little more time tonight and I'll
try the free-ware you suggested. Stay tuned ...



"Fitz" wrote:

> Have you run all those programs in Safe Mode? Make sure System Restore is
> off. HijackThis is also a good program to use (free) as well as BHODemon
> (free). I don't know that these programs would help in your particular
> problem. Just on an off chance, right click on the desktop, select
> Properties, select Desktop, select Customize Desktop, select Web, and see if
> anything in there is checked. Let us know.
>
> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:B3BA8B1B-0E3D-45E8-A649-DCBDB5F8B236@microsoft.com...
> > Fitz,
> >
> > Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted everything in
> > the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I rebooted,
> > the
> > shortcut came back.
> >
> > More suggestions?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > "Fitz" wrote:
> >
> >> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all
> >> files
> >> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
> >>
> >>
> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message
> >> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
> >> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all on
> >> >its
> >> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is.
> >> > The
> >> > icon
> >> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
> >> >
> >> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and AntiSpyware,
> >> > as
> >> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to eradicate
> >> > with
> >> > no success.
> >> >
> >> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the
> >> > URL
> >> > in
> >> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
> >> >
> >> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I can
> >> > do -
> >> > either manually or with software?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks.
> >> > --
> >> > Trouble Shooter
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

What is this shortcut? What URL does it point to?


"troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4BA55E0A-A3F3-4DF8-99E0-6C4A208CC0A4@microsoft.com...
> Thanks again, Fitz.
>
> I checked the desktop properties, and the only thing checked was "lock
> desktop items". Unchecking had no effect.
>
> I did run the software in Safe Mode. The PC has Ad-aware 6 Pro, but I
> couldn't run it in Safe Mode - it wasn't there!!-??? Spybot found a few
> things, but couldn't delete one dll. That I deleted manually.
>
> When re-booting normally, the IE-shortcut icon came back. It's very
> persistent. But then, so am I. I've got a little more time tonight and
> I'll
> try the free-ware you suggested. Stay tuned ...
>
>
>
> "Fitz" wrote:
>
>> Have you run all those programs in Safe Mode? Make sure System Restore
>> is
>> off. HijackThis is also a good program to use (free) as well as BHODemon
>> (free). I don't know that these programs would help in your particular
>> problem. Just on an off chance, right click on the desktop, select
>> Properties, select Desktop, select Customize Desktop, select Web, and see
>> if
>> anything in there is checked. Let us know.
>>
>> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:B3BA8B1B-0E3D-45E8-A649-DCBDB5F8B236@microsoft.com...
>> > Fitz,
>> >
>> > Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted everything
>> > in
>> > the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I rebooted,
>> > the
>> > shortcut came back.
>> >
>> > More suggestions?
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> >
>> > "Fitz" wrote:
>> >
>> >> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all
>> >> files
>> >> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> >> message
>> >> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
>> >> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all
>> >> >on
>> >> >its
>> >> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is.
>> >> > The
>> >> > icon
>> >> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
>> >> >
>> >> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and
>> >> > AntiSpyware,
>> >> > as
>> >> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to
>> >> > eradicate
>> >> > with
>> >> > no success.
>> >> >
>> >> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the
>> >> > URL
>> >> > in
>> >> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
>> >> >
>> >> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I
>> >> > can
>> >> > do -
>> >> > either manually or with software?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks.
>> >> > --
>> >> > Trouble Shooter
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

The shortcut is IE, and it points to a on-line casino web site.

I contacted the target web site about the problem, and they suggested I try
spyware and adware disinfecting software.

As for the share ware you suggested. No help. It found some stuff, but I
still get the shorcut on re-boot. I ran them in normal mode and in safe mode.

This thing is really a pain. I'm about ready to rebuild the drive.

"Fitz" wrote:

> What is this shortcut? What URL does it point to?
>
>
> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4BA55E0A-A3F3-4DF8-99E0-6C4A208CC0A4@microsoft.com...
> > Thanks again, Fitz.
> >
> > I checked the desktop properties, and the only thing checked was "lock
> > desktop items". Unchecking had no effect.
> >
> > I did run the software in Safe Mode. The PC has Ad-aware 6 Pro, but I
> > couldn't run it in Safe Mode - it wasn't there!!-??? Spybot found a few
> > things, but couldn't delete one dll. That I deleted manually.
> >
> > When re-booting normally, the IE-shortcut icon came back. It's very
> > persistent. But then, so am I. I've got a little more time tonight and
> > I'll
> > try the free-ware you suggested. Stay tuned ...
> >
> >
> >
> > "Fitz" wrote:
> >
> >> Have you run all those programs in Safe Mode? Make sure System Restore
> >> is
> >> off. HijackThis is also a good program to use (free) as well as BHODemon
> >> (free). I don't know that these programs would help in your particular
> >> problem. Just on an off chance, right click on the desktop, select
> >> Properties, select Desktop, select Customize Desktop, select Web, and see
> >> if
> >> anything in there is checked. Let us know.
> >>
> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> message
> >> news:B3BA8B1B-0E3D-45E8-A649-DCBDB5F8B236@microsoft.com...
> >> > Fitz,
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted everything
> >> > in
> >> > the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I rebooted,
> >> > the
> >> > shortcut came back.
> >> >
> >> > More suggestions?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks,
> >> >
> >> > "Fitz" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete all
> >> >> files
> >> >> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
> >> >> message
> >> >> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears all
> >> >> >on
> >> >> >its
> >> >> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it is.
> >> >> > The
> >> >> > icon
> >> >> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and
> >> >> > AntiSpyware,
> >> >> > as
> >> >> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to
> >> >> > eradicate
> >> >> > with
> >> >> > no success.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of the
> >> >> > URL
> >> >> > in
> >> >> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what I
> >> >> > can
> >> >> > do -
> >> >> > either manually or with software?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks.
> >> >> > --
> >> >> > Trouble Shooter
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support (More info?)

Does this shortcut appear when you start in "Safe Mode"? You might Google
for a free program called StartUp Manager. There are a lot of programs
called that...some are free, others are not. Have you checked the Services
listed in Administrative tools to see if any suspicious items are in there?
How about services that are listed in Task Manager?

Hang in there!


"troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:5C18F95E-55AB-413E-9CA6-3367F714DEA1@microsoft.com...
> The shortcut is IE, and it points to a on-line casino web site.
>
> I contacted the target web site about the problem, and they suggested I
> try
> spyware and adware disinfecting software.
>
> As for the share ware you suggested. No help. It found some stuff, but I
> still get the shorcut on re-boot. I ran them in normal mode and in safe
> mode.
>
> This thing is really a pain. I'm about ready to rebuild the drive.
>
> "Fitz" wrote:
>
>> What is this shortcut? What URL does it point to?
>>
>>
>> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> message
>> news:4BA55E0A-A3F3-4DF8-99E0-6C4A208CC0A4@microsoft.com...
>> > Thanks again, Fitz.
>> >
>> > I checked the desktop properties, and the only thing checked was "lock
>> > desktop items". Unchecking had no effect.
>> >
>> > I did run the software in Safe Mode. The PC has Ad-aware 6 Pro, but I
>> > couldn't run it in Safe Mode - it wasn't there!!-??? Spybot found a
>> > few
>> > things, but couldn't delete one dll. That I deleted manually.
>> >
>> > When re-booting normally, the IE-shortcut icon came back. It's very
>> > persistent. But then, so am I. I've got a little more time tonight
>> > and
>> > I'll
>> > try the free-ware you suggested. Stay tuned ...
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "Fitz" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Have you run all those programs in Safe Mode? Make sure System
>> >> Restore
>> >> is
>> >> off. HijackThis is also a good program to use (free) as well as
>> >> BHODemon
>> >> (free). I don't know that these programs would help in your
>> >> particular
>> >> problem. Just on an off chance, right click on the desktop, select
>> >> Properties, select Desktop, select Customize Desktop, select Web, and
>> >> see
>> >> if
>> >> anything in there is checked. Let us know.
>> >>
>> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> >> message
>> >> news:B3BA8B1B-0E3D-45E8-A649-DCBDB5F8B236@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Fitz,
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested - deleted
>> >> > everything
>> >> > in
>> >> > the prefetch folder, as well as the desktop shortcut. When I
>> >> > rebooted,
>> >> > the
>> >> > shortcut came back.
>> >> >
>> >> > More suggestions?
>> >> >
>> >> > Thanks,
>> >> >
>> >> > "Fitz" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >> See if the entry is in c:\windows\prefetch. You can safely delete
>> >> >> all
>> >> >> files
>> >> >> in the Prefetch folder. Don't delete the folder itself.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "troubleshooter" <troubleshooter@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote
>> >> >> in
>> >> >> message
>> >> >> news:E83BCD3C-AC4F-4384-A5D8-E02FE40DCD1D@microsoft.com...
>> >> >> >I have a friend's PC that has a desktop shortcut that reappears
>> >> >> >all
>> >> >> >on
>> >> >> >its
>> >> >> > own. I delete it, empty the recycle bin, re-boot, and there it
>> >> >> > is.
>> >> >> > The
>> >> >> > icon
>> >> >> > is of IE, pointing to a specific web site.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > The PC is running XP Pro, SP2. I've tried McAfee A/V and
>> >> >> > AntiSpyware,
>> >> >> > as
>> >> >> > well as AdAware, Spybot, and other software in an attempt to
>> >> >> > eradicate
>> >> >> > with
>> >> >> > no success.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I've done regedit and regedt32, looking for words in the name of
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > URL
>> >> >> > in
>> >> >> > the shortcut throughout the registry and deleted.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Before I rebuild the thing, does anyone have a suggestion on what
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > can
>> >> >> > do -
>> >> >> > either manually or with software?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks.
>> >> >> > --
>> >> >> > Trouble Shooter
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>