Hi i have a problem that I was hoping for some help with. I recently got a virus that was very weird. It seems to have selectively removed some data files. I attempted to fix the problem with a system restore and when the system resumed the desktop looked the same as before; however by the time the computer was completely on, the old problem remained and the icons that were first on the desktop had again dissapeared! Has anyone else had a similar problem?
I run Vista Home Premium 32 bit, 2.27 GHy processor
Thanks
Welcome
The icons are unimportant compared to the problem of a virus
First run your full scan anti virus
Then download and run malwarebytes, full scan and updated
In addition to your antivirus there are many free online scans that can verifiy your results. http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
What anti-virus or other security programs are you currently using (names and versions)? Depending on what you are using, we may suggest some changes and recommend you update and run them in addition to Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php, especially if Malwarebytes finds something.
How do you know you recently got a virus (did your current security programs tell you this)? Do you know the name of the virus? How was the virus removed (did your current security programs remove or quarantine it or were they unable to remove it and it still remains on the system)? If it remains and they can't remove it (and Malwarebytes doesn't either), then we will almost certainly recommend a change in what you are using.
When you run the full scan with these programs, as Richard suggested, be certain you first update all of them so they all have the most recent definitions.
You mentioned the loss of data along with disappearing icons. Was the data all on the desktop or did you lose it from your other data folders (like Documents, Pictures, Audios, Videos, Downloads, Favorites)? How much data did you lose? Have you checked the Recycle Bin to see if the lost data is there and can be restored? Was the data lost (and the icon problem exist) in all user accounts or just the one you've been using - check to see if the others are working properly or have the same problem.
