I installed firefox and now i have no desktop. how do i get my computer back?!?!?

Question

my start and windows bar is gone. my icons are gone. it is like this on all of my accounts. i got to my browser through task manager by opening this process. i'm almost sure that my comuter has a virus on it. please help me

Answer 1

Hi 463739, <br />Sorry you are having problems.
If they are general problems with a computer probably the best we can do is comment briefly and suggest where else you may get help.
*You seem to be posting from a Windows XP computer is that correct ?
* Is that the machine you have problems with ?
*What exactly do you mean by no desktop ? <br />( I wonder if Windows Explorer is failing )
*Try starting your computer in Windows Safe Mode.<br /> See http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx
If you suspect Malware the following is the standard advice. Note it is strongly suggested you use multiple scanning tools.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
* [http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/default.aspx Microsoft Safety Scanner]
* [http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/ MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware]
* [http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363 TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility]
* [http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/ Hitman Pro]
* [http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ ESET Online Scanner]
* [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/ AdwCleaner: (for adware)]
* [http://www.kaspersky.com/security-scan Kaspersky Free security scan]
You need to use multiple and up-to-date tools as they will not all pick up the same things.
[http://windows.microsoft.com/MSE Microsoft Security Essentials] is a good FREE permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.
Further information can be found in the [[Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware]] article.
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