Windows 7: Windows 7 programs won't open

My computer won't open any programs at the minute, either from the desktop or start menu.

What happened

I downloaded a file online and it installed seachqu toolbar on all my browsers which I didn't want.

I uninstalled the downloaded file and followed forum advice to get rid of searchqu (which didn't remove it but stopped it affecting my computer).

I also downloaded spyware doctor 8 as I was worried about spyware. I didn't realise I have to buy it though to remove things and there was only minimal spyware on there so I wasn't too concerned.

Tried to uninstall spyware doctor and windows wouldn't let me - it said it may already have been removed.

Now I can't open any programs except mcafee which can't find a problem and Internet explorer which opens but doesn't search (it times out).

iTunes, Firefox, office products etc won't open. They make a loading sign the nothing happens. Any ideas what this could be and what I could try?

Any help gratefully received!

Many thanks
Sam

Hello soxy, and welcome to Sevenforums!

Are you able to download and install programs? Revo uninstaller can help uninstall certain programs. Would you install this one?: Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

With it, look for searchqu toolbar, spywaredoctor, and McAfee, and please remove all of them. McAfee often causes more problems than it fixes.
If you are unable to remove programs due to your computer problems, try any steps you couldn't do in safe mode after doing this tutorial: Uninstall and Remove Software in Safe Mode (by Abhishek Ghosh). Here is a tutorial on how to actually boot into safe mode: Safe Mode (by Brink)

Please check for viruses: How do I remove a computer virus?

Repair your computer: SFC /SCANNOW : Run in Command Prompt at Boot (by Bare Foot Kid)
If you are still having trouble, do this tutorial as well: Repair Install (by Brink)

Please let me know how all of this goes. If you are looking for an antivirus, try MSE: http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx. It is quite good, and free. If you are looking for another AV or other security softare, have a look at this thread (it is long, so the more you read, the bigger your understanding will be as more opinions come into play): What's the Best Anti-virus?

You are downloading all the wrong things. You are infected. Which file did you download seachqu and from where? Remove McAffe and any other anti virus you have installed. Where did you download SpyWare Doctor from? Their are some fake ones out there. Check again and make sure it is uninstalled. Installed MSE update it and run a complete scan. Then install Malwarebytes Anti Malware and update it and run complete full scans.
Get back and lets us know what was found and removed. Their is more to be done.

Sorry DustSailor you posted while I was typing. If it matters I also recommend Revo for removing things.

No problem. As mickey megabyte told me recently, "you've got to be quick around here!" You mentioned Malwarebytes and I want to back you up in that. Good idea to run that program to find any more malware. You can find it here for free, soxy: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - Download.com

just perform "system restore" and go back to date/time prior to infection

Always forget that one

Its a good idea if you have one, soxy, and know the date before all of this started happening. However, I still highly recommend following all of the procedures I've posted. You might do the system restore if you cannot do anything else because it might at least put your computer into an operable state.

My understanding is many infections will install them self in restore points also.

I think I'm having a similar problem, but not quite sure.

I'm running 7 Ultimate 64 on a Macbook Pro via Boot Camp. Just installed it a couple days ago.

Problem is that some programs will open, but the dialogue box and program window never appears. The process will be running, and the bottom right taskbar functions of the program are active and working. But, like I said, the actual program window refuses to load.

Is this a virus problem or is it likely something went wacky when installing the Mac Boot Camp drivers? I'm leaning towards the former, because I went into msconfig and disabled the drivers and everything else for startup. Still had the same problem.

Like I said, it's only some programs - the main culprit being MagicDisc (iso mounting software). Could very well just be these programs don't work properly on a Boot Camped Windows.

Hello yfs, and welcome to Sevenforums!

Unfortunately, I am not very knowledgeable with boot camp. Did this problem happen from the beginning? If it did, perhaps it was a bad install? You might try reinstalling it completely, if able.