I have made a massive mistake and need help. I am new to this. I know enough about PC's to be dangerous as you will see after reading this.
Before I did a virus scan on my PC, I did not check "scan executable files" , I thought I checked scan all files. I do not see that as an option now.

My OS is MS XP Proffesional. I have many programs that give me the message " Install _____ now?" These are programs that were already installed. Roxio, MS media PLayer and other programs. My Hotmail and Yahoo mail and messengers are not working. I imagine there are more programs that are not working or are in quarantine.
I did get help to reset 1 email addy working. I had to reset the incoming and out going proxys, as well as re- enter name & password. After I got into it, (Outlook Express) there are folders that I had made to hold mail from different people and businesses. Some of the folders and saved mail are gone!!! I think I may have quarantined many cookies passwords and programs.
When I rebooted my PC settings for my desktop had also been changed. IE had lost my google and yahoo search bars. Some Programs that were in my task bar are no longer in my task bar. I had uninstalled norton system works 2005 a week ago. I noticed that after I ran this scan it had quarantined many norton files. I do not think Nortons caused the problem as it was uninstalled. ( However, Many Norton files were put in quarantine by Clamwin)
I clicked Start , accessories, tools Restore. Restore did not open ... no window opened! And my system is not restored.

Pleaseeeee Help me restore and or explain what I can do.

I hope I will be able to return to this forum and find my question.
Thanks,
Dying from stupidity!!!

Hi there

I just happened upon this -- I'm not normally in the forums. I help a few close friends with their computers but my experience goes back too far into the last century. I'll make some suggestions.

The most important thing you can do is get your data safe. If there is anything on your computer of value to you of which you do not have copies you trust are good copies you should back up that data immediately. If you are not certain the best way to do this you have many options but unless you have much that is critical simply burn to CD, if Windows still allows this, check that the copies are okay and proceed.

I would judge a friend's computer to be compromised if described as yours. My strong recommendation would be to reinstall Windows XP. Actually, my recommendation would be to at the very least consider Linux but given you are using an antivirus program for windows perhaps you feel this is not an option. In any case, if you do not feel you are sufficiently technically advanced to operate your computer without "real-time" antivirus you really should consider using that, instead, once you have reinstalled Windows XP and all your software.

Reminder -- make sure all your data are backed up; make sure you have any software license information you may have stored on your computer for when you reinstall software.

Once the computer has been compromised you cannot know what information may have been accessed. Personally, I would change passwords for anything I feel is important, like my e-mail. I would also not use the compromised computer, if possible, beyond doing the necessary restoration work and I would certainly not use it to do anything where there is risk, such as online banking.

Good luck

Bruce