Windows XP boots up but can't run programs or access hard drive

[nickspikes]

Hello,
I have a new problem and not sure where to start. My Windows XP PC locked up yesterday, without the BSOD. I unplugged it and re-booted. Windows starts normally, however when I click on My Computer to access drives, I get the Windows hourglass and can't get the icons for my C Drive, external hard drive or DVD drives to appear.

My desktop appears and I can access the Recycle Bin and My Documents folder. But if I try to access My Computer from these folders, the PC freezes. I also can not run IE or any programs. because the PC freezes again. I don't think I got a virus. I'm able to see what's running and nothing out of the ordinary shows up. Any ideas where to start?
Thanks

 

[Tmagic650]

Sounds like a virus or other malware attack. Try downloading combofix and running it. You may have to run it in the SAFE mode if you can't run it from the desktop. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

 

[nickspikes]

You are correct Tmagic. It was malware. I never had anything like that before. I ran Malwarebytes from Safe Mode and it deleted 2 files.

After that I re-booted and everything seems fine.

Thanks so much for your reply!

 

[Tmagic650]

Great! Thanks for the update