Computer Problem

[Hicks]

Ok I have a bit of a family computer problem, my old man has managed to screw up his desktop, it seems spy ware induced and is ironically warning about spyware (Oh spyware creators and your wacky sense of humor), basically it's downloaded a message which is saved as C:/Windows/desktop.html this is in front of the old wallpaper, every now and again when programs are run you can see the old wallpaper flick up but it disappears again, any idea how to fix it ? Removing the file has just led to the message being deleted and now I'm left with a white background.

Thanks in advance guys

[Leshy]

Spybot Search & Destroy, AdAware, Spyware Blaster.

[JetLinus]

Yep. Might try to run those programs in safe mode (press F8 repeatedly just after booting to access it), or try to turn of automatic system restore before scanning ([windows-key] + [pause], system restore, deactivate on all drives, ok). Don't forget to turn it back on after successful spy-stuff removal.

Tell your father not to click on everything.

You may also keep windows up2date (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and use a virus scanner (e.g. http://www.free-av.com)

[1-X]

isn't this just active desktop?

if it is, just right click on the screen and switch it off?

(then get busy with adaware etc)

[Dead_Meat]

Look back in his History and see what sort of kiddie-fiddler sites he's been looking at and only then decide whether or not to help him.

[Hicks]

1-X had it, it added a page called "security" to the active desktop settings.

History is automatically cleared :eek:

Cheers guys

[at0mic.c0w]

Originally Posted by Hicks

1-X had it, it added a page called "security" to the active desktop settings.

you should still run Spybot S&D

[wu_trax]

Originally Posted by Hicks

1-X had it, it added a page called "security" to the active desktop settings.

History is automatically cleared :eek:

Cheers guys

i'd check with some anti-spyware / anti-virus software anyway. The desktop usually doesn't change on its own.