HELP!!!

might my problem be related to the fact that it always says "preparing windows for first use" on start up no matter what? and the run as admin didnt work, same problem.

does it really matter whether im in safe mode?

Yes, you'll want to be in safe mode so there's a better chance of isolating the malware.

It sounds like you have a fairly new Computer which has not set up correctly, possibly due to bug in the Setup program. If it is less than a year old, you have tech support included and can call them to repair or replace the unit.

Look in Start>All Programs for Recovery listings, possibly under the maker's name. Click on Factory Recover to see what options are offered. You may be best off restoring your computer to Factory condition, preferably using the choice to back up your files first - otherwise back them up yourself externally before running Recovery.

Make your Recovery Disks first so you have another option in case Recovery fails when run from its HD partition.

Before proceeding with running Factory Recovery, you can try the other suggestions, including System Restoring back all the way to your earliest Restore Point if necessary: System Restore

ummm... actually the "setup" thing is actually from me accidentally clicking the "setup.exe" in one of the OS folders i was ruffling through because i couldnt find "msconfig.exe" because im an idiot.

You said you are "always" getting a prompt to setup your computer for the first time. Is this new? Restart your machine to see if you get the prompt again.

What exactly does the prompt say?

Try System Restore to a restore point before this started:

If this persists then consider recoverying to factory condition.

The IdeaPad uses a One-Key recovery chosen by pressing the NOVO key when Power is Off.

Here is the One-Key Manual to follow to Recover to Factory condition: http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub...user_guide.pdf

Back up your files first. Make sure you have your program installers and Product Keys for Office, games, etc. If you are missing any you can audit them now from the HD using Belarc Advisor.

its not a prompt its just that animation when you first set up your computer before the windows logo that says "setup is preparing your computer for first use" but works normally from then on (excluding desktop lock-out). and i did a malware test and a system file check and they both said i was fine, no problems. might it be a program i'm running? (e.g. Yod'm 3D)

Is this before or after you log in? If it is after you log in, your profile may be corrupt somehow. If so, try creating another user account, and then log in to that account. Then reboot and log into that account again to see if the message appears.