contents of C\windows switched with contents of c\program files

[Shawn N]

I am not a 100% on how I managed this but here were my last steps:
- changed the host file in c\windows\system32\drivers\etc
- rebooted computer
- received system errors, so I ran a HDD defragmenter
- I then tried to access a file in c\program files but could not find it, but it mysteriously felt like I was in the c\windows directory. So I looked in c\windows and found the file I was previously looking for in c\program files.

The other problem is that any file or program that is rooted in those folders gives me an error message reading "location is unavailable" whenever I try to access it.

Needless to say, My computer is JACKED and I would appreciate and help on this.

If this is at all confusing just ask and i will try to explain it better

Thanks

Shawn

 

[James Colbert]

Try doing a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html?ltr=S predating the issue.

James

 

[Orbital Shark]

Hi Shawn, welcome to the forums

Try a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html to a time/date when you knew everything was working ok and see if that helps.


OS

 

[Orbital Shark]

Try doing a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html?ltr=S predating the issue.

James

Great minds think alike

 

[Shawn N]

Thanks, but i already thought of that and to my surprise, I have no restore points

 

[Orbital Shark]

1 option is to try http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Or, Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> [right-click]Command Prompt (run as administrator). Once CMD opens type sfc /scannow to run the system file integrity checker. Any modified/changed system files will be restored.


OS

 

[Shawn N]

Well i ran the file integrity checker and that didn't work.

I somehow misplaced my windows 7 install disk. Is there any way I can do a repair install without it?

 

[zigzag3143]

I am not a 100% on how I managed this but here were my last steps:
- changed the host file in c\windows\system32\drivers\etc
- rebooted computer
- received system errors, so I ran a HDD defragmenter
- I then tried to access a file in c\program files but could not find it, but it mysteriously felt like I was in the c\windows directory. So I looked in c\windows and found the file I was previously looking for in c\program files.

The other problem is that any file or program that is rooted in those folders gives me an error message reading "location is unavailable" whenever I try to access it.

Needless to say, My computer is JACKED and I would appreciate and help on this.

If this is at all confusing just ask and i will try to explain it better

Thanks

Shawn

Restore from backup before problem, do a repair install from the win 7 dvd, or re-install.

 

[mborner]

Question 1: How, and why, did you change your host file?
Question 2: Have you tried changing it back to see if it fixes things?

If you were trying to fix a Google redirect issue by deleting malicious hosts from C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc, it's very effective. I've done it in the past and it works great as long as you leave "local host 127.0.0.1 alone. Clearing out malicious redirect hosts never affected my PC in any way. Or, did you modify it some other way?

 

[James Colbert]

Try doing a http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html?ltr=S predating the issue.

James

Great minds think alike

You honor me.

 

[James Colbert]

Well i ran the file integrity checker and that didn't work.

I somehow misplaced my windows 7 install disk. Is there any way I can do a repair install without it?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html?ltr=S

The above link outlines two methods of creating a system repair disc. One from within windows, the other via a download.


James

 

[Shawn N]

Question 1: How, and why, did you change your host file?
Question 2: Have you tried changing it back to see if it fixes things?

If you were trying to fix a Google redirect issue by deleting malicious hosts from C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc, it's very effective. I've done it in the past and it works great as long as you leave "local host 127.0.0.1 alone. Clearing out malicious redirect hosts never affected my PC in any way. Or, did you modify it some other way?

Not yet, but I am planning on it.

I downloaded a torrent and it told me to change the hosts file.

 

[Shawn N]

Thanks for the help everybody. I seemed to fix the problem by fixing my memory using the system repair disk.

 

[Corrine]

- I then tried to access a file in c\program files but could not find it, but it mysteriously felt like I was in the c\windows directory. So I looked in c\windows and found the file I was previously looking for in c\program files.

The other problem is that any file or program that is rooted in those folders gives me an error message reading "location is unavailable" whenever I try to access it.

Shawn

hi, Shawn.

Although it sounds as though you computer is back to normal, what you described sounds like the new rogue HDD Defragmenter. Microsoft MVP, miekiemoes, posted images at Rogue HDDDefragmenter.

Even if that wasn't your problem, should someone come across this thread via a search engine, they may want to check the uninstall instructions at Bleeping Computer: Remove HDD Defragmenter (Uninstall Guide).

 

[Shawn N]

- I then tried to access a file in c\program files but could not find it, but it mysteriously felt like I was in the c\windows directory. So I looked in c\windows and found the file I was previously looking for in c\program files.

The other problem is that any file or program that is rooted in those folders gives me an error message reading "location is unavailable" whenever I try to access it.

Shawn

hi, Shawn.

Although it sounds as though you computer is back to normal, what you described sounds like the new rogue HDD Defragmenter. Microsoft MVP, miekiemoes, posted images at Rogue HDDDefragmenter.

Even if that wasn't your problem, should someone come across this thread via a search engine, they may want to check the uninstall instructions at Bleeping Computer: Remove HDD Defragmenter (Uninstall Guide).

Wow, ya that is exactly what it was. I was suspicious that is was a malware program in the beginning, but my webroot antivirus and spyware couldn't detect it so I figured it was legit.

Cool. thanks!

 

[Corrine]

You're welcome, Shawn.

It is a very new rogue so likely wasn't in detection by your A/V. Bleeping Computer just posted the tutorial today. You may want to take the extra step of scanning your computer with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.