Malware Clean-up removed absolutely ALL program association! SOS


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Malware Clean-up removed absolutely ALL program association! SOS


    I was doing a Malware removal on my little brothers Windows 7, 64 bit laptop.
    Using Revo un-installer pro, I planned to remove all the contaminated software, followed by running ADWcleaner, Malwarbytes, and then HITmanpro3.

    Unfortunately, whilst going through one item at a time in Revo, I was prompted to do a system restart. I had a bad feeling about it - but I was presented with only two options; to restart and re-install new software, or uninstall and restart.

    After the restart, absolutely every file and program association has been altered to the point where everything on the desktop is just blank white icons, and nothing links to anything! I cannot access control panel, cannot run, go regedit, system restore and cmd is out of the question as well!

    I'm in tatters regarding this issue - its like whiplash from trying to remove the crappy software and Im now left with a useless laptop.

    As I understand - there is no way to fix this albeit a complete system format... but I surely must be able to somehow access the files on the hard drive and backup before doing the format?

    Please guide me folks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #2

    Revo uninstaller, unless you have disabled the function, makes a System Restore point as the first thing it does when you do an uninstall. I would do a System Restore back to the first one you uninstalled. That should get the associations back, although it will also get the malware back.

    Then run Malwarebytes, at least twice, and then see what is left. IF there is any garbage left then run Hitman Pro.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Lirty said:
    ...........
    After the restart, absolutely every file and program association has been altered to the point where everything on the desktop is just blank white icons, and nothing links to anything! I cannot access control panel, cannot run, go regedit, system restore and cmd is out of the question as well!
    fireberd said:
    Revo uninstaller, unless you have disabled the function, makes a System Restore point as the first thing it does when you do an uninstall. I would do a System Restore back to the first one you uninstalled. That should get the associations back, although it will also get the malware back.

    Then run Malwarebytes, at least twice, and then see what is left. IF there is any garbage left then run Hitman Pro.

    Please read the query - there is nothing that is accessible on the computer. I cannot even insert a USB stick to copy files; heck I cant go beyond desktop as everything I click on gives me file association error.

    Is it possible to somehow get all the media files off the hard drive despite file association being completely irrigated out of the pc? I know they are there - they have to be! Nothings changed apart from the registry's ability to associate files.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I am still seeking a resolution to my dilemma!

    Please can anyone advise on how to get the data from my hard drive in my laptop?
    Everything else is corrupt as described above, the file association is non - existent, and I currently cannot go beyond the desktop splash screen. I cannot do a system restore due to the file association errors (everything is broken)

    Can I still extract media from the hard drive?
    I have a large amount of data saved, a full factory reset will wipe everything!
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:27.
Find Us