On April 20th we received an alert that our pc was infected with viruses and worms. It looked like an official Microsoft logo and we foolishly paid a scammer 59.00 to protect our computer. After we paid the money, we realized we could not use any of the icons on the desktop or the start up tray. We got an error msg: windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. I went to the MS website and found Live One Care and did the full scan. Now I am having problems opening program files. They stated that the systems restore wizard could be used to restore the registry. I tried to do that but when I click on it it asks what program I want to open it with. The same thing happened when I tried to click on icons on the desktop. Also when I tried to open Adobe it told me the application was not found. Please help..I don't know what to do!1 person needs an answerI do too

Hello Pam Peters It looks like the malware has destroyed your file extensions. We do not yet know how many are involved, but here are fixes for the two you have mentioned Open a program or system restore Run the fix in Method #1 http://windowsxp.mvps.org/exefile.htm Open desktop icons Go to the site below http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm Line 12 Right hand side Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt. Bear in mind that if the malware has not been totally removed, these problems may return especially after a reboot. .

It worked!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I have been so frustrated with this for the past couple of days and I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am. Now one more question...actually two. Is there any way to find out if the malware has been totally removed? Do you know if I can get a detailed report of the Live One Care scan that was done yesterday? Thanks again, Pam