Okay, this is my problem.

Recently I received an e-mail stating that an e-mail I sent didn't get sent. It was titled postmaster and the e-mail was from postmaster@rogers.com. I looked at the file and it was a .pfi file. I was stupid and attempted to open it, which was stupid on my part, but I figured it was safe wince it was from my ISP provider.

Anyways, since I did that, my computer has been running funny.

Also, I tried to install Norton Systemworks 2002 and it won't allow me to. It stalls when it tried to install WInFAX. I tried to un-install what went through, but it's giving me all these problems. Now when I put in a CD and it auto-runs, it closes the screen by itself. I can't access the task manager by pressing control + alt + delete to quit programs or restart the computer.

My computer makes noises like it is working, even though I don't have anything open and running.

ANy suggestions? Should I re-format and start over?

you may have a virus then mate, i would format your hard drive and start over

Go here to get a free online virus scan:

http://housecall.antivirus.com/

yes check for virus first ,if none found and your still having problems try to repair xp ;full details here ,

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20Partition%20using%20the%20Reco very%20Console:

goodluck

Sounds like the KLEZ worm to me.

Removal (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.klez.e@mm.html)

Yup, I also think you have caught the little bugger called Klez

Removal tool from Symantec here
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.klez.gen@mm.html

As above it does sound like Klez. Do yourself a favour and don't try and remove it with your A/V software. Use the Symantec tool duffy listed above, you will save a lot of time and agro this way. Trust me, I learned the hard way with worms! :D

I guess I did have the Klez on my computer. Idiots always sending out viruses. I'm going to report that e-mail to my ISP. I did however use the tool and it said it's deleted. It seemed to have infected all of my most commonly used programs and the ones that I noticed the problems with also. WinRAR, Internet Explorer, Nero, etc...

Anyways, It's supposedly been deleted, but I still can't access the task manager screen by pressing cntrol + alt + delete.

Any suggestions, or should I do a reformat.

I'd let windows try & repair itself first.

1) Boot from the CD.
2) Choose the repair option.
3) Reinstall any patches you had installed.

P.S. I think KLEZ can create spoof email source headers so that email could have come from anywhere.

Okay, I tried to boot from the CD and repair it, but it's asking me for an administrator password and I can't remember ever putting one of them in to the computer during installation.

ANy help here?

I just read that it's okay, but after I get it to say c:\windows, I have absolutely no idea what to do.

Any one want to help me out here?

Sorry MS moved that option in WinXP.
On second thoughts...

Do you have system restore enabled? ( it is by default).

If so Start/Programs/Accessories/System tools/System restore

Select restore the system & select a date just before you received that email & let windows restore itself.

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

If you can't do this do a repair instead.
Boot from the CD & tell it to install windows & accept the EULA.
Setup will scan your harddisk for previous installations & when it finds one it should ask if you want to repair it.

If neither of these work you will need to reformat & reinstall.

P.S. Which ever one you try, do back up all your data first.
P.P.S. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks bud!

I fixed the problem okay. I think it may have re-installed XP over the previous one. No complaints though, because it is working fine right now. :)