My Computer

Hi, I have been having this problem for some time. When I click on the "My Computer" icon on my desktop, the window pops up with a flashlight "searching for items". I have timed it, and it takes 3 1/2 minutes to finally access the files. Once I am in, accessing files and programs is seamless. Is there any way to speed up accessing the C:drive? I have just cleaned the registry after having to first run ComboFix because of some malicious malware. I then ran a malware removal program and then PCTools and defragged the harddrive. Oh yes, Im running XP professional. Thank you in advance for your help.

Heyheidi, I see you have a topic open in Infections Removal forum…..is this for the same computer? You mention running ComboFix…this should only be run by experts or under the supervision of an expert…..who has advised you to do this? Please provide a link to the forum concerned. Regards paws

I ran Combofix to solve the original problem i had with pop ups and infected files. This was done by a technician. The problem I have now has been an issue for about a year. Although it is not critical, it is annoying to wait 3 1/2 minutes to access the c:drive. I would appreciate any help you can offer.

Hi, I understand.
This problem can be sometimes caused by your machine looking for a network or by WIA and HP software that is not updated correctly
Take a look here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?…kb;EN-US;819017
You could also Click on My Computer>File Menu>Tools>Folder Options >View and remove any tick/checkmark against Auto search for Network folders and Printers, Ok your way out, and see if this does the trick.

Problems of this nature are often related to a broken Registry entry, and when a machine has subsequently been heavily infected, and disinfected with powerful tools…there is no guarantee that the standard operating procedure fixes will solve the problem(s).

If you have no joy with the above then we can suggest some more actions that you can take, but before we make further recommendations,you would be wise to ensure that your backup archive/copy of everything that is important to you on your machine is 100% up to date accurate, reproducible and kept safe on removable media. If by any chance its even only a day out of date then its recommended you update it now and locate all your Installation discs and applications executables with their product serial keys (not forgetting the Windows Installations disc and serial.) This will protect your position should drastic action become necessary
Post back and let us know how you go after you have taken these steps
Regards
paws

I'm sure Paws wont mind me adding my 2 cents - but a note to anyone reading this thread if they're in the same situation: be very careful editing the registry, especially with tools you download from the internet. Even i have been caught out once. Sometimes these tools pick up what it thinks isn't a valid reg key, and when you delete it and restart your PC, you find you can no longer access Windows, or your PC is acting even more funny than before! 'Bob

I have taken all the steps you suggested and the problem still persists. I am beginning to dislike flashlights

Hi, Ok
Glad you checked your back up as we are getting near to stage where you may consider reinstalling Window….. however there are are one or two more things we can try.

Go to Start> My Computer>Tools>>Disconnect Network Drives and select the network drive to disconnect.(it may say there are no network drives to disconnect if so…… OK out.
Next>
this time click folder options and reset to default (you could also try this with all the other tabs.)
Next
Have a look here:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System…ial-a-fix.shtml
download the Fix and run it.
Next
Start>Run
type in the white box
sfc /scannow
click OK
A scan will take place lasting 20 minutes or so and some damaged or missing system files may be replaced….you may be asked to insert your Microsoft windows installation disc, so have this handy.
If still no joy then maybe its time to either live with it or reinstall Windows,
but please note a format and reinstall will wipe everything from your machine (hence the importance of your backup) a full quick format and reinstall will take about 50 minutes or so using a Microsoft Windows XP installation disc, but then you will need to install all your your drivers and applications, including your protections, firewall, antivirus, anti spyware, Office suite image manipulator, etc ., then download and install all the Windows and other important updates, and copy across all your data, Most folks will find this is likely to take in excess of 8 hours, for some folks a bit less for others maybe longer still, so its not an undertaking to be taken lightly, but it will usually improve the performance of the machine considerably as the detritis and debris of perhaps several years of computer use, together with any remaining traces of previous infections will be eradicated.

If you decide to do the abouve but use a manufacturers restore disc to restore your machine to its factory state then this will sometimes be a little quicker.

You could consider a repair install of windows as this will often preserve your existing applications and data, but will not necessarily eradicate problems, but will relpace any missing Windows System Files, and this may be sufficient to do the trick, however it will still usually involve you in reinstalling the latest service packs for Windows and a lot of Windows critical or important updates.
Regards
paws