"Another program is currently using this file" message for cmd and taskmanager

[griffin23]

Hi, I'm new to this but here's my problem:

Recently, a pop-up saying "another program is currently using this file" has been showing up when I try to access the command prompt and task manager. I can't even open them as administrator (I can only open them in safe mode). I did a full virus scan with Symantec AntiVirus but it didn't detect anything at all. I have a Windows XP laptop and it is fairly new (if you need any more info or specs just ask). I also did a scan with HJT and attached my log. Hopefully someone will be able to help me fix my problem. Thanks!!

 

[howard_hopkinso]

Hello and welcome to Techspot.

Your system is infected with several nasties.

Very Important: Before deciding whether you should clean or reformat your system, go and read this thread HERE and decide what it is you want to do.

If after reading the above, you wish to clean your system, do the following.

Go and read the Viruses/Spyware/Malware, preliminary removal instructions. Follow all the instructions exactly.

Post fresh HJT, AVG Antispyware and Combofix logs as attachments into this thread, only after doing the above.

Also, let me know the results of the AVG Antirootkit scan.

Regards Howard :wave: :wave:

This thread is for the use of griffin23 only. Please don`t post your own virus/spyware problems in this thread. Instead, open a new thread in our security and the web forum.

 

[griffin23]

Okay, I will follow the Viruses/Spyware/Malware, preliminary removal instructions; however, can you tell me some of the "nasties" I have on my computer that you see from my HJT log?

 

[howard_hopkinso]

These are nasty.

dllhost.exe
ALCMTR.EXE
p2pnetworking.exe

You may also have other nasties that are hidden from HJT. It is important that you follow the instructions exactly.

Regards Howard

This thread is for the use of griffin23 only. Please don`t post your own virus/spyware problems in this thread. Instead, open a new thread in our security and the web forum.

 

[griffin23]

My antivirus program, Symantec, once again showed nothing after a full scan. AVG Antirootkit scan also showed no problems. Attached are the three logs you requested.

By the way, I couldn't use SmitFraudFix or Combofix until I was in safemode because both required the use of the command prompt which wouldn't open because "another program is currently using this file".

I was able to quarantine and remove everything that was detected (there wasn't really a lot that the programs found). However, my command prompt and task manager are still not working.

 

[howard_hopkinso]

You might want to copy and paste these instructions into a notepad file. Then you can have the file open in safe mode, so you can follow the instructions easier.

Boot into safe mode, under your normal user name(NOT THE ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT). See how HERE.

In Windows Explorer, turn on "Show all files and folders, including hidden and system". See how HERE.

Delete all files in AVG Antispyware quarantine.

Click start/run and type services.msc into the run box and press the enter key.

When the window appears, maximise it. Double click on the following services(if there) and select stop if they are running. Set the startup type to disabled. Click apply/ok for each service you disable.

p2p networking

Close the services window.

Open your task manager, by holding down the ctrl and alt keys and pressing the delete key.

Click on the processes tab and end process for(if there).

p2pnetworking.exe
ALCMTR.EXE
dllhost.exe

Close task manager.

Run HJT with no other programmes open(except notepad). Click the scan button. Have HJT fix the following, by placing a tick in the little box next to(if there).

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Alcmtr] ALCMTR.EXE

O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [p2p networking] p2pnetworking.exe

O4 - Global Startup: dllhost.exe

Click on the fix checked button.

Close HJT.

Locate and delete the following bold files and/or directories(if there).

C:\windows\ALCMTR.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\dllhost.exe
p2pnetworking.exe<Search your system for this file and delete all instances found.

Reboot into normal mode and rehide your protected OS files.

Post a fresh HJT log and let me know how your system is running.

Regards Howard

This thread is for the use of griffin23 only. Please don`t post your own virus/spyware problems in this thread. Instead, open a new thread in our security and the web forum.

 

[griffin23]

Thank you!! I did everything you said, and now both applications are working now!! Thanks a bunch!!

 

[howard_hopkinso]

Your HJT log is clean.

Turn off system restore.(XP/ME only) See how HERE.

Now, turn system restore back on. This will have deleted all your old restore points and any nasties that are in them. It will also have created a new, clean restore point.

If you have any further virus/spyware problems, please post in this thread.

Regards Howard

This thread is for the use of griffin23 only. Please don`t post your own virus/spyware problems in this thread. Instead, open a new thread in our security and the web forum.