Expert: Brian Benosky - 4/4/2008

Question
I think I successfully rid my computer of some viruses, but in the process, accidentally set two different anti-virus programs to automatically run on start-up.  When I restart my computer, I get an error message from one of the virus programs. When I ignore it, windows continues loading.  the screen looks normal, but when I try to open ANY program, i can't.  I try to go to "add-remove" programs, but it also, won't open.

Answer
Hi Anne

I would first try using Selective Startup to keep the PC from loading one or both AV programs, then try the Uninstall routine again.  To enter Selective Startup, click START and go to RUN. Type MSCONFIG and you will see the program open. There are 5 different pages available within MSCONFIG where you will find the checkboxes that you can use to select or de-select the changes you want to make to your computer during startup.  De-select anything that may run with your AV program, or only keep the 'Load System Services' option checked, then restart your PC.  

If you are unable to enter MSCONFIG normally, try booting into Safe Mode with these instructions:

   * If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
   * Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
   * Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
   * Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
   * Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
   * Enter MSCONFIG as above, use Selective Startup to de-select the AV programs, restart, then uninstall your AV program.

Let me know if you are unable to do either of the above, or if you need further help.

Brian