Taskbar and icons disappear, all programs crash, can't ctrl-alt-del

[Blue67impala]

I seem to be stumped here guys. I don't know if it's a virus or something else. Sometimes my computer seems to randomly crash everything. the explorer.exe process, any applications I have open, everything. I attempted to ctrl-alt-del to bring up the task manager and restart the explorer.exe process but it doesn't work, the screen just blinks (goes blank and back to desktop) every time I press it. I thought it might be a virus but I scanned and found 2 PUP's (potentially unwanted programs), and I removed them. However, the issue still occurs now and then. Please help I really, really don't want to reinstall windows and ALL of the games and programs I have on here. Thank you in advance. I provided a hijackthislog below, maybe you can spot something I didn't see.

 

[koolkat77]

Hello Blue67impala,

Does the computer perform in the same manner in safe mode?

• Start your computer in safe mode - Microsoft Windows Help

Reduce items at start-up:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Perform a clean boot:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

Scan with Kaspersky TDSSKiller:

• Anti-rootkit utility TDSSKiller

ESET online scanner:

• Free Online Virus Scanner | ESET

Post a screenshot of your Hard Drive(s) using Crystal Disk Info software:

• CrystalDiskInfo - Software - Crystal Dew World

Run a Hard Drive test:

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/313457-seatools-dos-windows-how-use.html

Check for heating issues using Speccy or HWmonitor

Upload a screen shot: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

Post back with results.

 

[cottonball]

Blue67impala,

Some simple suggestions...

First of all, I would uninstall IObit Advanced SystemCare 7.

Next, please tap the F8 key as your computer starts.

On the Advanced Boot Options screen, select the Last Known Good Configuration, and then press: Enter

Windows may resume itself to the state when it was working.

If using the Last known good configuration does not help, try: System Restore
Do so to a date before the problems started.