system32 folder opens on XP boot?

JCase

Member
Dec 2, 2002
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Just a few days ago I encountered some pop ups(which I cleared up) and the persisting problem of the C:\WINDOWS\System32 folder being automatically opened when windows starts. Is this the result of a virus or worm? I don't see anything relating to it in the run keys of the registry...
 

djdrastic

Senior member
Dec 4, 2002
441
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Go To Tools in Explorer , and Folder Options and View to check out any setting like "Remember last open windows" or something like that
 

GTiBri

Member
Dec 4, 2003
61
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I've seen this before. From my experience, it is a call from the registry (or startup folder) to a file that is not longer present. Use MSconfig to see what entries are being caled from the system32 folder and see if any of the files being called are no longer present.
 

sandmanwake

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2000
1,494
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This is a symptom of the Gaobot virus. You need to boot into safe mode and scan your computer with McAfee or Norton. Then fix the registry if necessary--HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run--delete c:\windows\system32 from the (Default) key. Don't forget to run windows update.
 

Jolt2

Senior member
Jan 8, 2001
413
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Check in your registry under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, and see if there are any entry lines that are listed as "". Delete them. I had a system do this same thing and that is what fixed it for that system. These lines are for programs that are removed and moved on the system and at bootup it is trying to find them. Do not remove any lines that point to programs that you know are on the system even if they have the "" in them. Backup registry entery before you delete it just in case something gets missed up. It could also be one of the above too.