Help! Can't open any programs apps in XP

[rushhound1]

I have XP and over the weekend it stopped recognizing my log in. I created a second user and transfered things over but it was still acting weird. This afternoon I tried to download IE7 for a fresh install of that. Now IE is locked on "High" security and will not let me change it. Also I can't even open Firefox or any other program for that matter. I just get a message that I don't have authorization or something like that.

I feel like I am stuck! Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Cutthroat]

Sounds like a possible very nasty virus/malware. Any luck running antivirus/antispyware? It may be easiest to backup your data and reinstall.

 

[rushhound1]

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Sounds like a possible very nasty virus/malware. Any luck running antivirus/antispyware? It may be easiest to backup your data and reinstall.

Thanks for the suggestion. I can't even run my A/V. Keeping getting the message that I don't have authority to run program. I had Kaspersky A/V and Zone Alarm Pro running so I don't know how I got a virus or malware.? It seems to be related to my download of IE 7.
I still can't change the security setting from anything other than "high". This of course keeps me off of anything other than a MS site. Even then it will not let me download IE 7 again. I have the download on my desktop from the previous download but the security thing will not let me run that.

The computer is a Acer with a Athlon 3800 dual core with the Media Center version of XP. Acer didn't include a Windows CD but did include recovery CD's. So far I can't get those to run either. Of course I tried to roll back with the XP recovery but that will not work either.

 

[Cutthroat]

Log on as Administrator and see if you have any privileges. Can't remember off the top of my head how to get the administrator logon to show up on the welcome screen.

 

[rushhound1]

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
Log on as Administrator and see if you have any privileges. Can't remember off the top of my head how to get the administrator logon to show up on the welcome screen.

I tried that and it shows me as the admin. I booted into safe mode and am able to launch programs. IE 7 is hosed and will not even open. I just freezes up. Same thing for the media player. Also will not save any of my settings.

I have a new copy of Vista that should be here tomorrow. I am just going to wipe it all clean and start over. I hadn't planned on switching to Vista but if I am going to have to do this now I may as well move forward.

Thanks again!

 

[Cutthroat]

Sounds like it's for the best, when a virus completely trashes your system it's usually easier to reinstall. Good luck.