To whom it may concern,

The other day when I started my computer I got popups on my desktop about programs that couldn't be found. The weird thing is that the names are just rows of little square boxes. One of the popups says that the file can not be found and to go to my registry and delete it. But I’ve been told over and over again not to delete anything in my registry unless I know what it is. And I don’t know what they are. In the startup section of msconfig, “ System Configuration Utility “, there are references to two items that are the little square boxes again in the startup item and command columns. In the location column they are:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\windows
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\windows

Now both entries stop there but the other day they ended with :run and :load respectfully.

The first one run has 6 little boxes and the second one load has 16 little boxes.

What I'd like to know is how to remove the entries. Since there are no names or paths just the little boxes. I'm lost as what to do.
Should I delete them from my registry as the popups on my desktop says ????

I have a HP Media Center PC M380n 160GB
XP OS

P.S.
I’ve tried everything. From anti-virus’s to ad-ware’s and everything else I could think of. Even did Restore to another date. No go.

Please help!

Richard Hilliard

Welcome.

You could uncheck the entires in msconfig but in order to resolve the main issue I'd suggest the following:

http://www.techhelpforum.com/showthread.php?t=6820

By the way the boxes and or ??? are just characters Windows does not understand. For example a foreign language when you do not have that language pack installed.

Thank you very much jephree for replying. I will try it right away.

cyberman

There is a third party software called WinPatrol that allows you to control the programs set by the registry to run automatically. I find it easier to use than MSCONFIG and not as annoying. When you install the program click on the "start up programs" tab. For each program you are giving the option of disabling the program or to remove it. Either will do.

What are the programs that you are having trouble with?

MSCONFIG is :bs_lame:

Your situation may indicate some sort of infection.

Please, read here: http://www.techhelpforum.com/showthread.php?t=6820
Start new topic here: http://www.techhelpforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

Thanks I'll try it.

Thanks Broni I'll trt that.