Hi --

My pc recently developed a most frustrating problem and I can't figure out what to do about it.

When I right click on a file within a folder my deskstop goes blank and my av/firewall (NIS) and Spybot are turned off by the time the deskstop is re-populated. The same thing also happens, sometimes, when a program freezes. I'm almost sure this due to some malware and I have run all sorts of av, spyware at online scan centers. Nothing's ever been found. At least not the culprit. The worst part of it is that I have to reboot my machine, every time, to get it working properly.

If this is brought on by something sinister, how can I get rid of it?

Thanks.

Do you have a System Restore point prior to this recent development?

Also see this post from
Kelly
MS-MVP Win98/XP
[AE-Windows® XP]

Right click errors are generally caused by these two updates:
Right Click - HourGlass - Update 817287 and/or 821557


If your right clicking abilities are more complexed, run this edit.


Enable or Disable the Right Click Context Menu (Line 56)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm


To use the Regedit: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it
and answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad by
right clicking on the file and selecting Edit.


If none of the above applies and you have Hotbar installed, run this edit:


Hotbar - Windows Explorer/New/Folder Freezes (Line 206)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm


If this is not the case try these suggestions:


Right click a blank area on the Desktop/Properties/Appearance
/Effects. In the Effects dialog box, click to clear the: "Use the following
Transition effect for menus and tooltips check box, and ok your way out.
And/or: Click the folder or file that you want (select it) before you
right-click it to display the shortcut menu.

Altering system files; & or modifying the registry can be risky and D-A-L.com and its members cannot accept liability for any adverse effects caused by following advice freely given on this site.

Also perhaps post a HijackThis Log in the HijackThis section:
Please follow the instructions HERE & then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs section.
(Not in this section please).