The Icons on my desktop have disappeared?

Question

While I was watching a video, my virus protection program (Panda 2008) informed me I had contracted a virus, then windows defender also told me I had contracted a virus. I had windows defender remove the virus (so it claimed) then windows defender instructed me to restart my computer. Now everything seems to be running fine, expect at the Start Up, my screen was blank, all my icons on my desktop was removed, as well as my desktop wall paper. Also some other "security" program of which I have never before heard, or seen was preventing me from doing anything until I had registered it. I kept hitting the "Ignore" option until it finally ceased.

Has my computer been compromised?
Are my credit card numbers compromised as the phantom security program warned me. I do not save any passwords on my browse.

Thanks!

Answer 1

"Has my computer been compromised?"



Yes, of course it has. And, it's still hiding on your PC.



Try running Panda 2008, if it can't find or remove your phantom "security" program, you may need to re-install Windows (version?). BTW, it would have REALLY helped if you had told us the FULL name of it.



FYI: Windows Defender does NOT remove Viruses, but occasionally, it may warn you that may you have one. It's primarily an anti-spyware tool.



TIP: Right-click on the Desktop and click on View, then make sure there's a check mark next to "Show Desktop Icons", and, reset your desktop wallpaper. This is only a temporary fix.

Answer 2

I would bet it has. I've seen programs that will look like some kind of secure application but it's really a virus that won't let you do anything before registering it. I've never seen the missing icon issue but it sound similar.

Answer 3

Assuming you're utilising abode windows XP, acceptable-click on your individual pc. you will get a menu (i'm assuming you recognize that, given which you're attempting to create a clean folder) decrease than the "set up Icons via" heading, the submenu, in the direction of the backside, says, "teach own pc Icons" Hit that and your individual pc might desire to be restored.

Answer 4

Dont worry explorer.exe is corrupt renew it by doing this

hold down CTRL+ALT+DEL this brings up as menu choose Task manager

From there choose PROCESSES scroll down to EXPLORER .EXE and choose end PROCESS

On the same menu now choose APPLICATIONS choose NEW TASK

In the box type in explorer.exe and OK this exit back to desktop your icons are now visible again



you done the right thing in not registering it these sites tell you you have spyware.virus to con you

but what you should do is update your security its 2 years out of date