Member Avatar for MikkyH

Hi,

Last night my PC was attacked by Antimalware Doctor which is a nasty piece of work!! I couldn't do anything to get rid of it because every time i clicked something it blocked me saying i had an error.

I therefire did a system restore to 2 days ago. when i restarted my PC i had a blank screen and no start up menu or icons. using Task manager i can see All my files seem in place judging by the file sizes except when i click a folder there is nothing behind it. similarly i can click user accounts to try and add a user but there is nothing behind it.

I desperately need help as i am way out of my depth now and i can't do anything. I have tried similar problems and solutions but none of them seem to work for me. I also can't use F11 when restarting.

Thanks

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Dani AI

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Quick summary and immediate context: described a system hit by the rogue “Antimalware Doctor,” followed by a System Restore that left Windows with no Start menu, taskbar or desktop icons. What resolved the immediate blank-screen symptom for was the suggestion from to manually restart the Windows shell from Task Manager — that restores the visible desktop and Start/taskbar when the shell has failed to load.

Why that happens (and what it does — and doesn’t — solve): some rogue/repair actions can stop or block core UI processes or leave shell-related registry entries in an inconsistent state. Manually restarting the shell only brings the interface back; it does not remove malicious software, fix damaged system files, or repair a corrupted user profile. Treat the machine as still at risk until you complete a clean-up and verification.

Recommended follow-up actions (do these after the desktop is back):

  • Boot to Safe Mode (with Networking if needed) and run a full scan with a reputable anti‑malware tool; follow up with a second-opinion scanner.
  • After malware removal, open an elevated command prompt and run sfc /scannow to check and repair protected Windows files.
  • Check for a damaged user profile: if personalised settings or Start-menu items are missing, create a new administrator account and move important data across.
  • Review startup items and the Winlogon/shell configuration (use a trusted utility like Autoruns rather than guessing registry edits) and remove unknown entries.
  • Backup personal files to external media and, if instability or hidden infection persists, perform a repair install or clean reinstall.

Caution: do not re-run unknown installers or “fix” tools you don’t trust. Once the system is clean, make a fresh restore point and a regular backup schedule. If there’s any uncertainty about the cleanup, seek hands‑on help to avoid data loss.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

hi, using task manager go to file /new ,type in with out the "'s
"explorer.exe " hit enter

Member Avatar for MikkyH

Thanks CJ,

Thats great!

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