Unable to Change Desktop Background

Home » Windows & System Security » Virus / Spyware Problems and Security... » Unable to Change Desktop Background

21 posts, Page 1 of 3

1 2 3 »»»

Rate Topic

Display Mode

Topic Options

Author

Message

Kinematic9

Posted 12/12/2005 9:54 AM

New Member

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/14/2007 11:16 AM
Posts: 2, Visits: 5

I found a post on this from back in june, but the links are broken it seems. So if anyone has any updated info on this particular problem, please let me know.

I recently had a spyware infection, in which my background was turned to a bright blue screen with a message in the middle telling me not to use my computer until my spyware threat is gone.

All research has brought the file SMITFRAUD.REG to my attention. I did find a place to download this reg file, but do not want to run it until i have verification that it should do the trick.

A run of spybot 1.4 seemed to get rid of the blue screen, but the backgrounds are still greyed out and i am unable to change them still (although my background is back to the original state)

Any information will be appreciated! Thanks

Post #184125

RichieUK

Posted 12/12/2005 10:07 AM

Senior Forum Moderator

Group: Moderators
Last Login: 8/9/2008 10:14 AM
Posts: 29,030, Visits: 54,734

Go here: download this registry fix from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/reg/smitfraud.reg
Double-click smitfraud.reg on your desktop. When asked if you want to merge with the registry click YES.

After the merged successfully prompt,Reboot your computer.

Are you able to change your desktop back to normal now?
====================================================

If not,follow the instructions below:

Download and install HijackThis.exe.

Launch HijackThis and select 'Do a System Scan only'.When the scan is finished, the 'Scan' button will change to 'Save Log'. Now press the 'Save Log' button, and save the log to your desktop. Then 'copy and paste' that log into the Hijack This Logs forum,not here.

________________________________________

ASAP & UNITE member since 2006

Post #184126

Kinematic9

Posted 12/12/2005 1:16 PM

New Member

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/14/2007 11:16 AM
Posts: 2, Visits: 5

Thank you for confirming my post.. Everything is back to normal. Its funny i dont even know where i picked this thing up from!

Thanks again!

Post #184151

RichieUK

Posted 12/12/2005 1:35 PM

Senior Forum Moderator

Group: Moderators
Last Login: 8/9/2008 10:14 AM
Posts: 29,030, Visits: 54,734

You're most welcome,you might want to read this to help in the prevention of future infections:

Eliminate Spyware

Smile

________________________________________

ASAP & UNITE member since 2006

Post #184153

teh nooblet

Posted 12/20/2005 11:11 AM

New Member

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2006 12:28 PM
Posts: 2, Visits: 17

well, i got exactly the same problem, and the thingy worked.

BUT once i open IE it starts all over again help me please!! Crying

hihihihihihihihihihihihi

Post #184961

quietman7

Posted 12/20/2005 11:16 AM

Forum Moderator

Group: Moderators
Last Login: 8/8/2008 6:28 AM
Posts: 2,777, Visits: 7,025

If the tool did not work for you, then follow Richie's instructions for posting a Hijackthis log in that forum.

__________________________________________

"THE BAD GUYS DON'T NEED A SEARCH WARRANT. ARE YOU PROTECTED?"

Microsoft MVP - Windows Security

Post #184962

PCL

Posted 1/13/2006 1:55 AM

New Member

Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/17/2006 1:05 AM
Posts: 6, Visits: 10

Thank you for your help in addressing this issue. Whilst this "fix" fixed my problem I appear to have lost some of the Background options; any clues?

Post #187431

RichieUK

Posted 1/13/2006 2:58 AM

Senior Forum Moderator

Group: Moderators
Last Login: 8/9/2008 10:14 AM
Posts: 29,030, Visits: 54,734

I appear to have lost some of the Background options; any clues?

Can you explain exactly what your problem is in Display Properties,have you got some of the tabs missing,are you stuck in the Classic Theme and can't change it back to XP Style,under 'Windows and Buttons'.

________________________________________

ASAP & UNITE member since 2006

Post #187437