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Can't remove desktop icons or some file--computer freezes

F

flyted

Member
When I try to remove desktop icons that have installed themselves for programs that I did download, the hourglass icon appears and the computer freezes. When I try to search for the file, find it and click on it to remove it, freezes again. I now have several files like this. As long as I don't touch them, everything is ok except the computer is sometimes very slow.

WinXP, AMD 2800, 1GB Ram, 40GB HD, DSL. I have ran anti-virus, spybot, ad-aware, Western Digital diagnostics on the HD and have the latest MS updates.

Any ideas?
 
Thanks for the reply. I just tried that and it didn't work. When I click on the icon on the desktop or after I search for the file, whether I right or left click the file, the hourglass appears and the computer just stops. Sometimes the alt-ctl-del will bring up the task manager and I can stop the process, other times I just have to turn off the computer and start all over. While I was in safe mode, I re-ran the antivirus,spybot,ad-aware and Ghostsurf spyware. Still no luck.
 
I think your on to something here. I get to the cmd section, all files I want to remove are in the "documents and settings" area, but I must be missing an entry as I'm getting a "not recognized as an internal or external command error".
 
Actually, I think its something more than just a few files now. It takes forever for the computer to start, I can't move anything to the recycle bin, and I don't think I can right click any files. All this is highly unusual as the computer normally works great and hasn't had the screen freeze for several months. Any good free diagnostic programs out there to narrow it down? Even now the vast majority of all my programs work normally, as long as I don't try to right click, remove any files or touch any of the sensitive dektop icons.
 
Why don't you just try System Restore and go back to a date that preceded the problem?

Start Button /Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.

 
Some of the icons and programs that are affected were installed over a year ago and were simple read only programs like product info and stuff. I can try going back to a restore point a long time ago, but that doesn't appear likely to be the source of the problem since everything worked just fine up to a few weeks ago. I'll try a restore point of a few months anyway. Seems more like a virus, just can't find one.
 
Solution: A restore point of 3 ago months didn't work, but a restore point of 6 months ago did. I was able to delete all files and icons that were in question. Something or a combination of things I downloaded over the past several months must have been the cause of the problem. Everything appears normal now. Thanks to all who responded.
 
Good deal. Now, anything you really need program-wise that was installed in the last 6 months will have to be reinstalled. Additionally, you will be prompted to install the Microsoft security updates from the last six months. After that, you should be set.
 
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