after a virus

Sounds like EXE is still associated with a deleted file.

Goto http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm and run reg fix #12 to fix it.

If you don't have a registry backup to fall back on then try either reinstalling xp over the top of itself, or if you have upgraded to sp1 or sp2 then reinstall the service pack. You might also have to reinstall your various apps (like msoffice or open office) to reassociate the applications with the data files. Once this is done make a registry backup (and back a backup after every major application installation) just in case you need it in the future.

Cheers.

RW

It would depend on the virus'. Some virus' do infect executables
and the anti-virus may have removed them or otherwaise made
them unavailable to you. Check the antivirus logs to see what it
did. I am assuming that since you stated you used it to clean the
PC that it still works.

Either way, I would backup any important data and start over. If
the PC was that infected then it's stability, even if it was
repaired, would be questionable. Just scan the backed up data
before putting back on a fresh install.

Depending on what the virus' were I might even go so far as to
recreate the partions, and maybe even write zeros to the drive.
It's overkill but hey clean once and be done.

razz

I have found that with XP Home after a virus infection you don't have rights to certain stuff anymore as Administrator or Equivalent. In fact when I looked at permissions sometimes I had none.
Faster to get data off, format and re-install. If you have Pro there is a program to re-instate default security.

Razz is on the right track. In many cases removal of a virus that infects executable files results in the files being deleted or quarantined. Since the executable file is no longer present, links or shortcuts fail.

A restore point would not have helped. System restore will not replace program files.

You have 2 options:

1. Reinstall software affected by virus removal. May also need to do a repair installation of XP.

2. A clean re-install of XP and software.

Like Razz, I recommend a clean install if you have CDs and expertise to do so.

Dalton

This won't help you in your current situation, but for your future reference, This is what I always do when dealing with virus removal. First, I do research, via McAfee's virus library, on the virus I will be removing to determine whether there are specific steps I must follow in a particular order to cleanly remove the virus without affecting system performance. This may take a little more time up front, but will avoid the frustration of losing program functionality and the time it takes to restore the system later.

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