Disapperaring shortcuts, icons, etc.

[VernonRobinson]

I have a strange problem with a firends computer. The computer loses their desktop folder shortcuts, icons, etc. for no apparent reason. I have run anti-virus, malware, etc. and nothing seems to show up. Any ideas?

-Vernon

[Dave McElderry]

Does he happen to be using something called InfraRecorder? A search turned this program up as a possible cause.

[Steve Grisetti]

Is XP Pro fully patched with SP3 and all updates? And how did you check for malware and viruses?

There is a very nasty "Zero-Day Attack" virus on the loose right now, and XP machines are among those infected.

This kind of activity is usually an indicator of some sort of malware infection. Assuming your Windows updates are all up to date, I'd double-check for spyware, viruses, trojans and other malware.

[Ron]

If this is XP, there's a feature that auto-deletes (longtime unused) desktop shortcuts. It also recommends to delete them during a "cleanup". More info here - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320154

[VernonRobinson]

A bit more information. This is a Windows 7 machine. It has Windows Updates turned on. I ran the following programs to detect any potential Malware:

1. AdwCleaner
2. Junkware Removal Tool
3. Malwarebytes
4 Hitman Pro

The tools reported some registry errors, but nothing that seemed all that important. Eventyualy they reported clear. Any additional ideas as to a possible next step?

thanks,
-Vernon

[Dave McElderry]

???

[TreeTopsRanch]

Vernon, did you google your problem? MS has some simple fixes for that problem. Have you tried that?

[VernonRobinson]

Sorry for the delay. Got busy with work. I did google and that is how I came up with that cocktail. What simple advice have you found? I will continue to look also.

-Vernon