• My Vista is seemingly corrupted (Vista)
    0 replies, posted
So I'm using a Dell laptop (XPS M1530) and I recently had to deal with a false virus type spyware called Security Tool which is supposedly infamous. It disallowed the use of any and all exe programs and even went as far as not allowing the task manager to open so I couldn't end the process. It also didn't allow installing programs to remove the "tool". I got rid of it by holding down ctrl+shift+esc and, in really quick succession, ending the process which allowed me to download and install a remover for it. However, upon restarting the computer I found that the taskbar was locked into an XP style format and everything takes forever to load. The symptoms include the taskbar locking up when trying to run any executable and it taking about 10 seconds to load the program. Taking ages to load any folder or window (seemingly taking a long time to locate the contents of the folder) and windows explorer itself locking up. Also Java seems to have problems usually causing a graphics driver failure. I tried putting in the windows disk to repair windows but there was no option to do such a thing (even when booting the computer via the repair disk and F2 or whatever the button is). I then tried formatting the harddrive but found it was "locked for formatting". Is this a problem that is common or at least heard of? I've searched online but any formatting methods I've found lead me back to finding out the harddrive is locked for formating. I can't see any way out of this :/ I since installed Norton Antivirus (paid for, so full edition) and fully scanned the computer. 23 problems found (mainly cookies) and removed. If anyone has any suggestions or anything I'd be very happy. Thanks for the help!
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