Urgent help needed: windows xp won't start

[Bronxkid]

I'm not sure if this is a hardware or software issue. Today I noticed my computer was running really really slow. I used task manager to find out that only ~40% of my cpu was being used by programs so I thought it may be a harddrive issue. I reset my computer, then on the windows logo my monitor and keyboard turned off. I checked all cables and reset but it keeps doing this over and over. I get in this time in safe mode. Under event viewer, these are the errors listed:

1) The SVKP service failed to start due to the following error:
The system cannot find the file specified.
2)The service "CiSvc" vetoed a target device change request.
4)The description for Event ID ( 1 ) in Source ( sfsync03 ) cannot be found. The local computer may not have the necessary registry information or message DLL files to display messages from a remote computer. You may be able to use the /AUXSOURCE= flag to retrieve this description; see Help and Support for details. The following information is part of the event: (followed by a series of numbers)

Any ideas? I don't want to reformat my harddrive or have to re-install windows unless it's necessary. Thanks.

 

[JSFLY]

put in your windows cd and do a repair.

Also, what this bit about a remote computer?

 

[Bronxkid]

Could it mean someone's hacked into my computer? Anyway to find out? Thanks.

 

[pcgeek11]

It sounds like a trojan to me... I think you've been had.

pcgeek

 

[Bronxkid]

I agree it sounds like a trojan. I managed to get into the system by choosing the option of returning to last working configuration from the menu before windows loads. I've been using the computer for last several hours, and noted my computer is really slow. The cpu usage is frequently close to 100%. I scanned with norton av, ewido, and trojan hunter with no luck. I may have to format the drive and reinstall windows.

 

[AstroGuardian]

Do not do it just yet. It sounds like a security issue to me too.
Run a scan with Panda Antivirus Titanium 2006. It will also tell you about the problem from the event viewer.

Then run a repair istallation on your XP. Boot the comp. with the installation CD. There is possibility that the installation will not detect your current windows installation. But try it anyway. Then chose the repair option and see what will happen.

 

[Bronxkid]

I downloaded the trial version of panda av but it keeps giving me the same error message at the start of installation that I have norton av and I need to remove it. I have already uninstalled it and even ran registry mechanic to make sure it was gone but I still get the same annoying message. So, i can't even install the program.

 

[rasczak]

screw trying to find the trojan, my suggestion is backup your data and slick the drive.

reload windows, and install sp2 and all updates. then load the AV (which ever one) then migrate your data and have the AV do a real time scan as your moving data back.