On my home computer (running WIN ME), I had some virus pop up and quarantined it, but later my desktop became almost totally blank and I can't view or open any files. It says "activeX controls prohibit the page from displaying correctly" and I can't get into IE or anything else. The only suspicious program running in task manager is E_s4i2p1. I have hijack this but can't post my log as I can't get on the internet or save any files to transfer to the laptop I'm using to write this message. Any ideas for me to try? the virus was a trojan, idleui, I believe. My norton was up to date as of Weds. so it was caught, but then some spyware seemed to creep up and when I tried to uninstall it, the files and programs all seemed to go into hiding! I'd appreciate any help as my husband will be bringing his laptop back to work, and I don't know what else to do next!

Could you possibly put Hijack This on a floppy or CD and run it in Safe Mode?

OK, I did run HijackThis in safe mode, but when I try to save log, it doesn't do anything. It reverts back to "scan" on the button, but gives me no option for saving the file anywhere and in searching I can't see that it IS saving it. Any advice now?!

Are you sure you are following the instructions correctly. Could you double check please, click the link in my signature that explains more.

Yes, I'm positive that I'm doing it correctly. I'm telling you, my computer is seriously messed up! Not only can I NOT save the log file, I also CANNOT use folder options>view to allow me to see hidden files, etc. Nothing shows up where the options to check/uncheck should be. Also, even clicking/right-clicking on the START button does nothing. Does this make any sense at all?
I swear I'm not just a dumb blonde - I've used HijackThis several times to help with things like this, so I know it isn't supposed to act like it is. Problem is, I DON'T know what else to do - apparently you have never heard of it acting like this either, huh?! I guess that makes me feel a little better - or worse, since that means there is little hope for my computer now.
I have re-downloaded (on this computer, not the messed up one) Hijack this, and it's the newest version, but it is NOT saving the log. I've also run all the spyware I have several times, and although there is nothing new there, it's messed up still - obviously!
I do appreciate your help, or trying to, Owen! I wish I at least knew what it was that hit me!!

Right, instead of using Hijack This, as an alternative, could you try downloading and installing Bazooka on your computer. Try that in Safe Mode if you can't use Normal Mode.

Run the program and click Generate Log. Post the log here.

OK, I tried that, and here's the error message I get:

Error when opening a registry key.
Key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER_Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer\Shellfolders
System error message: The configuration registry key is invalid.

Does that mean anything useful? Sorry this is such a pain!