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etree
Small things are often the biggest nuisance: Windows explorer opens every time on start-up on a XP Home Edition SP2 system I've been asked to have a look at, and I can't quite figure out how to fix it.

Put simply, a windows explorer window appears late during start-up, while the various processes are being loaded and icons appear in the systray. I suspect it might be some kind of aborted attempt at resolving a path to a file or folder that is going on due to a faulty registry entry that's sneaked in there during a recent round of scanner and gadget driver uninstalls/reinstalls – see this page and read on below.

Unlike the normal explorer window, this one shows the swiveling torchlight icon ('looking for something / searching for a file or directory'). After half a minute or so of unsuccessful searching, the window settles on the standard filesystem overview. When I launch another instance of windows explorer manually after that, it pops up the same standard filesystem view right away, as expected.

This is no biggie compared to being slowed down to a crawl by some nasty piece of work or battling a barrage of pop-ups but it is highly annoying, forcing you to close that window every time you boot up.


I've looked up various suggested solutions without getting to the bottom of it.

QUOTE
1. MS has a KB article #228502, from Sep 2002 that suggests IE5 as the culprit and recommends:

To resolve this issue, delete the DesktopProcess value from the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

[no luck, no such value on this system.]

QUOTE
2. Another good thread suggests that the Userinit value from the registry key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\ Winlogon

is doubled up like so
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\USERINIT.EXE,C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\USERINIT.EXE,

Suggestion: change to
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\USERINIT.EXE,

[no luck, value is ok]


The following piece of advice IMHO appears to be the most plausible explanation:

QUOTE
Explorer opens on start-up

The number-one cause is a failed attempt to run a program whose path is incorrectly written.

An extra space is favourite – Windows reads the path up to that point and can’t proceed. Since the path so far specifies a folder, Explorer is opened.

Use the System Configuration Utility (Msconfig.exe) to find the bad entry. You could just disable it, but it’s better to find where it lives and correct the problem there.

Programs can be started from: System.ini, Win.ini, several places in the registry and from the StartUp folder (under Start / Programs).

If you need to search the registry, run Regedit and go to Edit / Find. Type the entry as it appears in SCU. Once found in a Run or RunOnce key, double-click the entry and correct it.

Close Regedit afterwards.


Problem: I can't find the bad entry. The Autostart folders of all user accounts =are empty= (correction: they contain entries for OpenOffice, Adobe Reader and dig camera software, all of which seems ok to me -- see the StartupList below), I can't seem to find a fault with the system.ini or win.ini entries (I don't know what I'm looking at huh.gif). With respect to registry entries: where to look: the /Run and /RunOnce keys within Hkey_Current_User / Hkey_Local_Machine, or others as well?


And so: should I post a HijackThis startup log on this forum? A dozen pair of eyes surely see more than a single pair rolleyes.gif
etree
OK, lets see...

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 03:09:36, on 02.01.2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hplampc.exe
C:\Programme\ABBYY FineReader 5.0 Home Edition\CAgent.exe
C:\Programme\Buhl\Anti Trojaner\Taumon.exe
C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SPMSMON.EXE
C:\Programme\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Programme\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Programme\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Programme\Olympus\DeviceDetector\DevDtct2.exe
C:\Programme\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\soffice.exe
C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\soffice.BIN
C:\Programme\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSINST.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSCC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Programme\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Programme\HJT\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://g.msn.co.uk/0SEENGB/SAOS01?FORM=TOOLBR
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.google.de/
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL,(Default) = http://g.msn.co.uk/0SEENGB/SAOS01?FORM=TOOLBR
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Microsoft Internet Explorer
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = ftp=ftp-proxy.btx.dtag.de:80;http=proxy.btx.dtag.de:80
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {BDAD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hplampc] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hplampc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ABBYY Community Agent] C:\Programme\ABBYY FineReader 5.0 Home Edition\CAgent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tau Monitor] C:\Programme\Buhl\Anti Trojaner\Taumon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KernelFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PC Firewall Professional] C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe /waitservice
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C84 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C84 Series" /O5 "LPT1:" /M "Stylus C84"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ChangeICON] C:\WINDOWS\SPMSMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Programme\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Programme\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Programme\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - Startup: OpenOffice.org 2.0.lnk = C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\quickstart.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Device Detector 2.lnk = C:\Programme\Olympus\DeviceDetector\DevDtct2.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Kodak EasyShare Software.lnk = C:\Programme\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &MSN Search - res://C:\Programme\MSN Toolbar Suite\TB\02.05.0000.1082\en-gb\msntb.dll/search.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open in new background tab - res://C:\Programme\MSN Toolbar Suite\TAB\02.05.0000.1110\en-gb\msntabres.dll/229?ce6bd862cb1e44548b6d7362f0c71290
O8 - Extra context menu item: Open in new foreground tab - res://C:\Programme\MSN Toolbar Suite\TAB\02.05.0000.1110\en-gb\msntabres.dll/230?ce6bd862cb1e44548b6d7362f0c71290
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Konsole - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Mobilen Favoriten erstellen - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Mobilen Favoriten erstellen... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra button: Trashcan - {072F3B8A-2DA2-40e2-B841-88899F240200} - C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\TRASH.EXE (HKCU)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show Trashcan - {072F3B8A-2DA2-40e2-B841-88899F240200} - C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\TRASH.EXE (HKCU)
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/30ced6d2e080f2...RdxIE601_de.cab
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/...b?1129374852953
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...b?1129376055625
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\system32\wmfhotfix.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: PCANotify - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\PCANotify.dll
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: pcAnywhere Host Service (awhost32) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Programme\Symantec\pcAnywhere\awhost32.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Programme\Gemeinsame Dateien\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Programme\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Kodak Camera Connection Software (KodakCCS) - Eastman Kodak Company - C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: RVS CommCenter (RvsCC) - Living Byte Software GmbH, München - C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSCC.EXE
O23 - Service: RvscomSv - Living Byte Software GmbH, München - C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSCOMSV.EXE
O23 - Service: RVS Installer (RVSINST) - Living Byte Software GmbH, München - C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSINST.EXE
O23 - Service: SFirewall Service (SFirewall) - Unknown owner - C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe

etree
Can anybody detect any funny business in that log? I'd be much happier without those MSN toolbar entries (those 'toolbars' seem to be no more than inivitations for trouble anyway) but otherwise it seems to give the flawed program path hypothesis a boost.

So here's the 'full' version of the StartupList report:



StartupList report, 02.01.2006, 03:11:07
StartupList version: 1.52.2
Started from : C:\Programme\HJT\HijackThis.EXE
Detected: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
Detected: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)
* Using default options
* 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:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hplampc.exe
C:\Programme\ABBYY FineReader 5.0 Home Edition\CAgent.exe
C:\Programme\Buhl\Anti Trojaner\Taumon.exe
C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SPMSMON.EXE
C:\Programme\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Programme\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Programme\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
C:\Programme\Olympus\DeviceDetector\DevDtct2.exe
C:\Programme\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe
C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\soffice.exe
C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\soffice.BIN
C:\Programme\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSINST.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSCC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Programme\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Programme\HJT\HijackThis.exe

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

Listing of startup folders:

Shell folders Startup:
[C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\Boss\Startmenü\Programme\Autostart]
OpenOffice.org 2.0.lnk = C:\Programme\OpenOffice.org 2.0\program\quickstart.exe

Shell folders Common Startup:
[C:\Dokumente und Einstellungen\All Users\Startmenü\Programme\Autostart]
Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
Device Detector 2.lnk = C:\Programme\Olympus\DeviceDetector\DevDtct2.exe
Kodak EasyShare Software.lnk = C:\Programme\Kodak\Kodak EasyShare software\bin\EasyShare.exe

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

Checking Windows NT UserInit:

[HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
UserInit = C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,

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

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

NvCplDaemon = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
nwiz = nwiz.exe /install
Logitech Utility = Logi_MwX.Exe
NeroCheck = C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
hplampc = C:\WINDOWS\system32\hplampc.exe
ABBYY Community Agent = C:\Programme\ABBYY FineReader 5.0 Home Edition\CAgent.exe
Tau Monitor = C:\Programme\Buhl\Anti Trojaner\Taumon.exe
SunJavaUpdateSched = C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
NvMediaCenter = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
PC Firewall Professional = C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe /waitservice
AVG7_CC = C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
EPSON Stylus C84 Series = C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 "EPSON Stylus C84 Series" /O5 "LPT1:" /M "Stylus C84"
ChangeICON = C:\WINDOWS\SPMSMON.EXE
iTunesHelper = "C:\Programme\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
QuickTime Task = "C:\Programme\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime

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

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx

(Default) =

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

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

H/PC Connection Agent = "C:\Programme\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESCOMM.EXE"
ctfmon.exe = C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe

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

Enumerating Active Setup stub paths:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components
(* = disabled by HKCU twin)

[>{22d6f312-b0f6-11d0-94ab-0080c74c7e95}]
StubPath = C:\WINDOWS\inf\unregmp2.exe /ShowWMP

[>{26923b43-4d38-484f-9b9e-de460746276c}] *
StubPath = %systemroot%\system32\shmgrate.exe OCInstallUserConfigIE

[>{881dd1c5-3dcf-431b-b061-f3f88e8be88a}]
StubPath = %systemroot%\system32\shmgrate.exe OCInstallUserConfigOE

[{2C7339CF-2B09-4501-B3F3-F3508C9228ED}] *
StubPath = %SystemRoot%\system32\regsvr32.exe /s /n /i:/UserInstall %SystemRoot%\system32\themeui.dll

[{44BBA840-CC51-11CF-AAFA-00AA00B6015C}] *
StubPath = "%ProgramFiles%\Outlook Express\setup50.exe" /APP:OE /CALLER:WINNT /user /install

[{7790769C-0471-11d2-AF11-00C04FA35D02}] *
StubPath = "%ProgramFiles%\Outlook Express\setup50.exe" /APP:WAB /CALLER:WINNT /user /install

[{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4340}] *
StubPath = regsvr32.exe /s /n /i:U shell32.dll

[{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}] *
StubPath = %SystemRoot%\system32\ie4uinit.exe

[{89B4C1CD-B018-4511-B0A1-5476DBF70820}] *
StubPath = C:\WINDOWS\System32\Rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\mscories.dll,Install

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

Load/Run keys from C:\WINDOWS\WIN.INI:

load=*INI file not found*
run=*INI file not found*

Load/Run keys from Registry:

HKLM\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: load=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: run=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: load=*Registry key not found*
HKLM\..\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: run=*Registry key not found*
HKCU\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: load=*Registry value not found*
HKCU\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: run=*Registry value not found*
HKCU\..\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: load=*Registry key not found*
HKCU\..\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon: run=*Registry key not found*
HKCU\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows: load=
HKCU\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows: run=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows: load=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows: run=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows: AppInit_DLLs=C:\WINDOWS\system32\wmfhotfix.dll

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

Shell & screensaver key from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI:

Shell=*INI file not found*
SCRNSAVE.EXE=*INI file not found*
drivers=*INI file not found*

Shell & screensaver key from Registry:

Shell=Explorer.exe
SCRNSAVE.EXE=C:\WINDOWS\System32\ssmypics.scr
drivers=*Registry value not found*

Policies Shell key:

HKCU\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry key not found*
HKLM\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry value not found*

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

Checking for EXPLORER.EXE instances:

C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.exe: PRESENT!

C:\Explorer.exe: not present
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer\Explorer.exe: not present
C:\WINDOWS\System\Explorer.exe: not present
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Explorer.exe: not present
C:\WINDOWS\Command\Explorer.exe: not present
C:\WINDOWS\Fonts\Explorer.exe: not present

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

Checking for superhidden extensions:

.lnk: HIDDEN! (arrow overlay: yes)
.pif: HIDDEN! (arrow overlay: yes)
.exe: not hidden
.com: not hidden
.bat: not hidden
.hta: not hidden
.scr: not hidden
.shs: HIDDEN!
.shb: HIDDEN!
.vbs: not hidden
.vbe: not hidden
.wsh: not hidden
.scf: HIDDEN! (arrow overlay: NO!)
.url: HIDDEN! (arrow overlay: yes)
.js: not hidden
.jse: not hidden

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

Verifying REGEDIT.EXE integrity:

- Regedit.exe is MISSING!
- .reg open command is normal (regedit.exe %1)
- Company name OK: 'Microsoft Corporation'
- Original filename OK: 'REGEDIT.EXE'
- File description: 'Registrierungs-Editor'

Registry check failed!

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

Enumerating Browser Helper Objects:

(no name) - C:\Programme\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3}
(no name) - C:\Programme\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43}
(no name) - (no file) - {BDBD1DAD-C946-4A17-ADC1-64B5B4FF55D0}

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

Enumerating Download Program Files:

[Office Update Installation Engine]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\opuc.dll
CODEBASE = http://office.microsoft.com/officeupdate/content/opuc.cab

[RdxIE Class]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\RdxIE.dll
CODEBASE = http://software-dl.real.com/30ced6d2e080f2...RdxIE601_de.cab

[WUWebControl Class]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuweb.dll
CODEBASE = http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/...b?1129374852953

[MUWebControl Class]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\muweb.dll
CODEBASE = http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat...b?1129376055625

[Update Class]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\iuctl.dll
CODEBASE = http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/...B?38640.1915625

[SassCln Object]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\SassCln.dll
CODEBASE = http://www.microsoft.com/security/controls.../20/SassCln.CAB

[Shockwave Flash Object]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\Flash.ocx
CODEBASE = http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwa...ash/swflash.cab

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

Enumerating Windows NT/2000/XP services

ACEDRV05: \??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ACEDRV05.sys (autostart)
Gatewaydienst auf Anwendungsebene: %SystemRoot%\System32\alg.exe (autostart)
Windows Audio: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
AVG7 Alert Manager Server: C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe (autostart)
AVG7 Update Service: C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe (autostart)
Intelligenter Hintergrundübertragungsdienst: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Computerbrowser: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
SmartCardKeyboard0: System32\Drivers\ChySck2k.sys (autostart)
Kryptografiedienste: %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Kodak DCFS2K Driver: system32\drivers\dcfs2k.sys (autostart)
DCOM-Server-Prozessstart: %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost -k DcomLaunch (autostart)
DHCP-Client: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
DNS-Client: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k NetworkService (autostart)
Ereignisprotokoll: %SystemRoot%\system32\services.exe (autostart)
Hilfe und Support: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Kodak Camera Connection Software: %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\KodakCCS.exe (autostart)
Server: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Arbeitsstationsdienst: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Netzwerkverbindungen: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
NVIDIA Display Driver Service: %SystemRoot%\System32\nvsvc32.exe (autostart)
Plug & Play: %SystemRoot%\system32\services.exe (autostart)
Geschützter Speicher: %SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe (autostart)
RAS-Verbindungsverwaltung: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Remoteprozeduraufruf (RPC): %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost -k rpcss (autostart)
RVS CommCenter: C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSCC.EXE (autostart)
RVS Installer: C:\Programme\RVS\WCOM\SYSTEM\RVSINST.EXE (autostart)
RVS Virtual COM Port: \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\rvsport.sys (autostart)
Sicherheitskontenverwaltung: %SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe (autostart)
Smartcard: %SystemRoot%\System32\SCardSvr.exe (autostart)
Sekundäre Anmeldung: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Systemereignisbenachrichtigung: %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
SFirewall Service: C:\PROGRA~1\BUHLDA~1\PCFIRE~1\sfw.exe /service (autostart)
Windows-Firewall/Gemeinsame Nutzung der Internetverbindung: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Shellhardwareerkennung: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Druckwarteschlange: %SystemRoot%\system32\spoolsv.exe (autostart)
Systemwiederherstellungsdienst: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Windows-Bilderfassung (WIA): %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k imgsvc (autostart)
Designs: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Überwachung verteilter Verknüpfungen (Client): %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Windows User Mode Driver Framework: C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdfmgr.exe (autostart)
Windows-Zeitgeber: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Windows-Verwaltungsinstrumentation: %systemroot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Sicherheitscenter: %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)
Automatische Updates: %systemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs (autostart)


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

Enumerating ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad items:

PostBootReminder: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
CDBurn: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
WebCheck: C:\WINDOWS\System32\webcheck.dll
SysTray: C:\WINDOWS\System32\stobject.dll

--------------------------------------------------
End of report, 14.465 bytes
Report generated in 0,078 seconds

Command line options:
/verbose - to add additional info on each section
/complete - to include empty sections and unsuspicious data
/full - to include several rarely-important sections
/force9x - to include Win9x-only startups even if running on WinNT
/forcent - to include WinNT-only startups even if running on Win9x
/forceall - to include all Win9x and WinNT startups, regardless of platform
/history - to list version history only



Some things that poke my eye:

Running processes
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hplampc.exe is scanner-related software
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe is windows-update related, no?



Startup folders
Seems ok


UserInit
Seems ok (not doubled up for instance)


Autorun entries from Registry
Looking at the registry keys, I noticed that the following entry
NvMediaCenter = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
appeared both in the HKLM and HKCU keys, in identical form. I took the HKCU key out and left the HKLM untouched. Everything seems fine, but the explorer window still pops up at boot time, so no luck, just housekeeping.


Enumerating Active Setup stub paths
No idea here, but I don't see any obvious flaws with it, except for the disabled by HKCM twin message ..?


win.ini
Load/Run keys from C:\WINDOWS\WIN.INI:

load=*INI file not found*
run=*INI file not found*

AppInit_DLLs=C:\WINDOWS\system32\wmfhotfix.dll
this is Ilfak Guilfanov's life-saver against the current mother of all wmf exploits lurking out there in WindozeLand


THANK GAWD for MS mellow.gif -- what would IT be without all the excitement? (yes I'm being facetious)



and system.ini

Shell & screensaver key from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI:

Shell=*INI file not found*
SCRNSAVE.EXE=*INI file not found*
drivers=*INI file not found*


blink.gif


So -- what gives?
etree
Back with good news -- I found the culprit and fixed it. No more unsolicited explorer windows at start-up!

The problem: a silly systray icon daemon for a USB card reader that had been installed a few months back. The last commenter on the page I link to suggests that the functionality of the card reader is not affected by disabling the process. (Can't confirm because I haven't been able to test that out)

The solution:
Disable C:\WINDOWS\SPMSMON.EXE in the system start tab of msconfig, and you can have your life back.


A perfect illustration of the importance of adding new components step-by-step. Only careful monitoring of the system's performance by the system administrator can really intercept this kind of stuff. I was obviously lucky to figure this out by going through the list of autorun registry entries and googling each and every single one until I hit the jackpot.. rolleyes.gif

Anyway, I hope this will help someone else further down the line..
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