Member Avatar for jsk

In windows XP, when I click on C: or D: drive names in 'My Computer', the system treats it like a file asking "the program you want to use to open this file." However through Windows Explorer i can open the drives.

In my Folder Options View Tab, the setting for hidden files and folders, the second option button is titled correctly 'Do not show hidden files and folders'. However the first option button is titled "1". I cant unhide my files and folders.

I could reformat the drive but I want to extract my Outlook data. I can copy the hidden folder "Local Settings" through DVD burning, but when I copy the pst file in a safe computer, it gives message "Cannot copy, inalid DOS function". This damage has also disabled my speakers and mic on my laptop.

Some one please help me out of this crisis. I shall be very grateful

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by pushkar honey

Dani AI

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Symptoms like drives opening with an "Open with" dialog, missing/garbled Folder Options text, inability to reveal hidden files, and a PST that refuses to copy strongly point to two priorities: isolate the machine (possible malware) and preserve the Outlook data before attempting repairs. described attempting burns and copies that failed; that risks further damage if the disk is modified.

First step: preserve the data. Do not run unknown programs on the infected system or let it access the network. If possible remove the laptop disk and attach it to a known-clean PC (USB enclosure or SATA dock) or boot the machine from a clean live USB so the infected Windows is not running. Make a bit-for-bit image or copy of the volume before trying fixes. If a straight file copy of the PST still fails when mounted on a clean system, extract the image and pull the PST from the image.

Second step: investigative cleanup without destructive edits. The UI corruption and drive-association oddities are often caused by third-party shell extensions, resource-string corruption, or malware-altered associations. Use read-only analysis tools (for example, shell-extension viewers and autorun/boot-entry inspectors) from a clean system to identify suspicious entries. Restore system files using the built-in integrity tools or perform a repair install only after the PST is safe.

Third step: malware removal and driver recovery. Follow offline, multi-engine scanning with reputable rescue media before doing in-place fixes. After cleaning, reinstall vendor audio drivers and check Device Manager and services to restore sound. Avoid manual deletion of system binaries or unverified registry edits; those can make recovery harder.

If unsure, stop and image the drive, then consult a professional. The immediate, repeatable win is: isolate → image → extract PST from the image on a clean machine → then diagnose and repair the OS. This protects data while letting fixes proceed safely.

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Member Avatar for bobbyraw

you can simple do a search for the pst file set the search to lokok in hidden folders then copy the file to another folder you created, then back up the folder. it also seem like you got an infection going on. you want to run a spyware/malware scan

Member Avatar for hughv

Just use the "Export" function on the file menu.

Member Avatar for sittas87

Hey there
Great strategy from the previous posters,however Ill suggest going as far possible before doing a clean install.A couple of months from now you might run into the same problem(Beter yet your friend that insist on not having his OS removed-What a friend:D )

So with that said,run a virus program as the previous poster said,windows repair.Its most likely that you have a virus on you machine,but than again it might be something else.
Its worth the effort

Member Avatar for pushkar honey

open ur dos promt,n come in c:\
then type dir /ah
this will give u all system files n hidden files,
find autorun.inf ,edit it by typing edit autorun.inf
n save as in another folder,
now copy it with mouse,and paste into ur all drive,this will prompt for replacement of this file
click yes to replace n now delete it permanently by shift + it with all drive..........
u have to also search for amvo.exe or amvo0.dll ,these file present at c:\windows\system32
see it by dir /ah n edit it and delete permanently......by same process (above)..........
restart ur system............
for hidden show.............type regedit in run command
go to following reg key.......
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\advances\folder\hidden\showall
change CheckedValue by 0 to 1 if this key is not present then create it in dword value

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