I have been referred here from the malware forum. Here is my problem.

Every time i boot my machine the system32 folder opens. I have done the following:

Checked registry setting in HK_Current_User and HK_Local_Machine in the run section for start up entries that might cause this problem. My start up is empty. I have gone to msconfig and unchecked all start up items. I have gone to services and unchecked all non microsoft services. I have also disabled some of the other services that this machine does not require. I have done several scans for Viruses and Malware using 4 or 5 different programs such as AVG, Adaware, Panda, Spybot etc...........
I have also gone to the website and run the .VBS file to eliminate this problem. I am at my wits end on this one. I am totally stumped.

Here is what is in my HiJackthis start up log:
StartupList report, 4/28/2006, 1:54:51 PM
StartupList version: 1.52.2
Started from : C:\Downloads\VIA\hijackthis\HijackThis.EXE
Detected: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
Detected: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
* Using default options
* Including empty and uninteresting sections
* Showing rarely important sections
==================================================

Running processes:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\regedit.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\Downloads\VIA\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

--------------------------------------------------

Listing of startup folders:

Shell folders Startup:
[C:\Documents and Settings\Marlene\Start Menu\Programs\Startup]
*No files*

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

Have you tried this from Microsoft? http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=170086

Yes i have tried the Microsoft fix. There is no entry in the registry that I can find that might cause this. I have searched for System32.exe also as well as the registry and spyware and virus searches. I am totally completely dumbfounded.

Visit http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm and scroll down
to Item No. 260. In the right column, click on "System32 Folder Opens
Upon Boot". Download this repair file and then run the repair.


More ideas:

http://groups.google.com/group/micro...2+opens&qt_g=1

Done that too. Enty not found in registry. I have been working on this for 3 days now. Beofre I joined this forum I went through 30 search pages about this subject with no cures. This is why I am so frustrated.

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware and or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Also you could try to run sfc /scannow

You will need your XP CD in order to do this.

A couple of other suggestions I've seen. Not sure if you have the audigy card?

Using Regedit, change the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\WINLOGON
Change USERINIT from C:\windows\system32\userinit.exe,c:\windows\system 32\userinit.exe
to
C:\windows\system32\userinit.exe,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

Creative Audigy sound card.
The HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersio n\Run section had an SB Audigy 2 Startup Menu key with the value of /L:ENG.
Removing the key solved the explorer startup problem.

That is exactly what is in WinLogOn is as stated. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Userinit.exe, I do not have an audigy sound card. I am using on board A97 RealTek Sound Drivers. We need to go beyond the standard fixes for this issue and look deeper. Everything you have suggested so far I have already done. I did a search on Google for System32 Folder opens on boot and did everything I could find to do in 30 pages of the search engine and none of the items fixed this issue. I am about ready to re-format and start over with a fresh copy of windows as much as I don't want to do that it seems to be my only answer.

Okay I have given up. I am now formatting and reinstalling Windows. Thank you very much for all of your help.

Let us know how it goes/went.