Unwanted applications running in ME

[sp1derek]

Can anyone help, I have windows ME, I accidently downloaded software thinking it was just video. I have deleted all files except 2 applications VSM & VRM which are constantly running with windows and causing my PC to run at an unusable speed. Is there a way to stop the applications running and delete them?

[BertImmenschuh]

Put MSCONFIG in the Start, Run box and locate the items in the Startup tab. Uncheck them and reboot. Be sure to put a checkmark on the window or the items will return.

Look in Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs for them and Uninstall.

Check with the Web site for the program, may have an uninstall routine you can use.

Otherwise you are down to editing the Registry, very dangerous place to play.

[sp1derek]

Thanks for help, how do I check mark the window. On unchecking the program and re booting, it regenerates in the start up tab!

[BertImmenschuh]

At the bottom of the window that says you have made changes is a small box that needs clicking in to put the checkmark in it, that keeps the unchecked programs from reverting to running. Can't give the exact words as the only way that window comes up is after unchecking items in the Startup tab so you'll have to be paying attention to it.

[sp1derek]

Hi again. On deselecting the offending application, the only thing that is at the bottom of the window on right side are buttons 'OK', 'Cancel' and 'Apply'.
I see no check box appear after deselection of the programme or after I select apply. Should it appear before or after I click on Apply?

[BertImmenschuh]

The window comes up after you have clicked Apply and OK then allowed it to reboot.

[sp1derek]

Back again. The box that appears is as follows:

Title: system configuration utility

Message: you are using the selective startup for troubleshooting your system

Checkbox: don't show this dialogue again
Button: OK

It is not giving me any option to confirm the program is not to be used??????:(

Actually it does seem to stop other programs loading, but not the one causing the problem.

There were 2 files downloaded. vrm.exe which is a virtual device manager this I suspect is loading the corrupt file vsm.exe it also continually runs with windows, but does not appear in the startup file

[BertImmenschuh]

Checking that box is correct, keeps the UNCHECKED ones in the Startup tab from restarting at bootup.

Sounds like you may be unchecking the wrong ones.

[sp1derek]

I unchecked everything to see what would happen. They all remained unchecked except for the problem application, which miraculously rechecks itself each time I reboot no matter what I do.

would it help to do a system restore to get back to original settings?

[BertImmenschuh]

A restore to the original settings usually means running the restore disks provided with the computer, puts the computer back to its as-shipped condition and may cause loss of all your data and some programs.

Running System Restore and choosing a date before the problem came up would be the next thing to try before using the restore disks.

[sp1derek]

Apparently I had some sort of alleged malware from Micro Bill Systems. I was sent a programme to kill it and problems is now resolved.

Thanks for your help and support.:)

[BertImmenschuh]

Glad you got it fixed.