Windows XP forum: "windows.exe is not a valid win32 application." Help!

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1112976

If there is anything we've learned over the years is spyware and more can damage this OS. Reboot, retry and ignore the usual errors if they happen one time. Always research on google.com and arm yourself to the eyeballs or else.

-> USE LAST KNOWN GOOD BOOT OR "SYSTEM RESTORE" to when it worked.

Bob

In the discussion at http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=5&threadID=268071&messageID=2607452 it became clear to me it was the age old issue of the corrupt profile. Easy to spot when the owner writes "I tried creating a new account and that seemed to work."

The good news it that it's a common problem with an easy fix. The bad news is that no one (Microsoft included) has issued a tool to repair a corrupt profile. At least you never have to format your machine due to this one and I've never lost any files due to this one.

Bob

firstly, thank you for SOUND technical advise.

secondly, i do have AVG Professional installed on my computer. Apparently it is not so good cuz the online scan detected 200+ "viruses".

toolbars & one for repairing desktop. Both are free and intended for XP.
Useful after attack damage:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

I haven't had need to use myself but I keep a copy in MY Docs just in case....Good Luck!!

To save your files then start over. Can you think what someone did to allow such on the machine? Remember that while we can find, remove most pests we can't always fix the damage.

-> Last ideas.

1. Corrupt profiles.
2. The task bar is set to hide.