Can't open Task Manager or Shut Down or Run.

[Dream Operator]

I just noticed I can no longer hit CtrlAltDel and get Task Manager. It was there earlier today. So was shutdown. System Restore doesn't have any points before one created today , after the issue began (which I don't understand either, should be some points in Feb.).

I installed Windows Blinds and WindowFX last night. Again, I had Admin. rights after that. Can't think of anything that happened today that would cause this. Any thoughts?

 

[redbeard1]

I have seen spyware that changes the local group/security policy to prevent the things you describe from running.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: redbeard1
I have seen spyware that changes the local group/security policy to prevent the things you describe from running.

yep, or changes the files.

 

[Dream Operator]

Thanks. Any thoughts on how to fix it?

 

[Dahak]

usually what happens is its disabled from the registry, if you can still go to start -> run -> regedit and goto HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
usually by default there is nothing there other than the (default) no value set.
so you can delete the disabletm i think the item was called.

*Edit* noticed in the topic you cannot run.
If you go My computer -> c: -> windows -> should be able to load regedit.exe from there

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Dream Operator
Thanks. Any thoughts on how to fix it?

Did you run a virus scan with a good antivirus product yet? Because it looks like you 1) downloaded stuff from the Internet, 2) installed it, and 3) wow, all of a sudden your system is pwned 😉

 

[Dream Operator]

Dahak - You are the man! Nailed it! Thanks for the tip on c:\Windows\regedit, I had not opened regedit that way before. I found Norun and some other entries as well. I had some in there that I wanted, NoUserNameInStartMenu and others. I removed the ones that looked wrong their and did a log off. Now had run back, as well as Turn off computer. Still no Task Manager. I googled the error (should have done that to begin with, duh!). Found the location for the reg entry... HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Deleted that sucker! Normal as far as I can tell.

mechBgon - Running ZoneAlarm 6 up to date. I really hate it though. I thought it was good. Not working for me. Can't file transfer with Windows Live Messenger (or the old one). I could go on with the issues. Not to mention the support, forget about it! I did a scan yesterday and came up w/ 4 viruses. I'm sure my recent activites were related. Atleast the scanner found them. I am going to look for some security software that works better for me. Off to research the net I go!

Thanks to all for you input.