run-time error help

When my daughter boots up her computer, it gets as far as displaying her desktop (without any of her icons), then it pops up a dialog box that has a blue bar at the top which says: asdfqw3csadfdfd Then below that it says: Run-time error '5': Invalid procedure call or argument Any ideas as to what she's done and what I can do to fix it? Thanks so much!!! Helen

Hello hmanroe… Can you please give us a little more information on your daughter's machine? Is it a brand name machine such as Dell or HP? If it is, please include the make and model number. Does Task Manager open when you press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together? wannabe1

It's a Dell Dimension 2350. Yes, the Task Manager opens. It says that asdfqw3csadfdfd is running.

I also can boot using the Windows CD, but once I get to the Recovery Console, I don't know what to do.

Open the Task Manager and click on the "New Task" button. This should open the Run command box. Type the following in the "Open" field and click "Ok".

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

This should start the System Restore feature. Restore the system to an earlier time…choose a date before the problem began to restore to.

Let us know if this resolves the issue.

Sadly, that didn't work – still gives me that same run-time error. I really appreciate your help…I have to go to bed now, though, as I have to get up really early tomorrow morning. If you can give me any other suggestions, I'll try them tomorrow night when I get home from work. Wannabe1, thanks so much for helping me – I sincerely appreciate the fact that you're willing to spend your time helping those of us who are computerly challenged.

Let's see if we can stop that process from running on the machine. I suspect this is some type of malware, but you'll need a running machine in order to clean it up. When you say that asdfqw3csadfdfd is shown as running in Task Manager, which tab is it listed under (Applications or Processes)?

It is listed under the Applications tab.

Open Task Manager and click on the "New Task" button. Type msconfig and click "Ok". In the configuration window that opens, click on the "Startup" tab. Locate the application (asdfqw3csadfdfd) in the list of startup applications and remove the tick from the checkbox next to it. Apply the changes and reboot.

Upon restarting, you will see a Selective Startup dialog window…this is normal. Tick the box to not show it again and click "Ok".

Let me know doing this allows the machine to boot normally.

I'll do this as soon as I get home from work this evening. Thanks again for all your help!

Grrrr… asdfqw3csadfdfd doesn't show up in the list of startup applications. Here's everything that does show up: Point32 Invokesvc3 igfxtray hkcmd ccapp oscheck qttask jusched PicasaMediaDetector iTuneshelper WinAvXX IExplorer Google Toolbar Notifier MSNmsgr aim oonfxitn ISMModule4 IsmPack5 WinAvXX (again) IExplorer (again) AdobeGammaLoader autorun system

I was playing around a bit, and changed to "diagnostic startup"…the error still showed up.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you…..very busy day yesterday. I'm still looking into the startups you have listed for me, but I don't really expect to find anything there. What happens when you try to boot into Safe Mode? Do you still get the error message?

Yes, I still get the error message in safe mode. Do I just need to give up and format c:?

I don't think it's time to throw in the towel quite yet.

Dell recovery cd's usually include the repair option…let's give that a shot.

Try this REPAIR to your installation of XP. This procedure will not damage or change your current files or settings…it will just repair or replace damaged system files. You will need your Installation CD and may be asked for your product key. Follow the instructions carefully…print them out if you can. Note: This option is not always available on OEM Recovery Cd's

Once this repair has completed, you will have to download all Windows Updates again.