Windows Error

[Byzanti_The_Mad]

This is a different post..........more of a cry for help Anyways, when i start up windows i get an error message about WININIT.exe. I don't know much 'bout this sorta thing, so I don't know how to get rid of it. I might normally ignore it, but I can't fix it and the only side effect i've found is it that there is only 1 program I can't run (which happens to be the only game I ever play anymore ). So if anyone has encountered this and knows how to fix it, pleeeaaaassseee, I need help!

Thank you,
-Byz

[ivan37]

Unless you have a feeling this is a trojan or something, I don't think this question belongs on this site. What exactly is the error message, though?

[Negative]

If the message is 'Wininit.exe cannot be run from within Windows', his question does belong on this forum! ;-)

From the MS Knowledge Base:

'When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:

Wininit.exe cannot be run from within Windows

CAUSE
This issue can occur if your computer is infected with a virus. The Win32.Weird and Bymer viruses are known to cause this issue.'

Every known problem should be in the Knowledge Base:

Click me to take me to the MS Knowledge Base, cause I'm too lazy to search for it myself

[ivan37]

heh...well i'll be danged...I didn't even think the knowledgebase had information like that on viruses. I suppose it makes sense though.

[Negative]

heh...well i'll be danged...I didn't even think the knowledgebase had information like that on viruses. I suppose it makes sense though.

The Knowledge Base has information on everything... (if you're a good reader, you'll even find information on viruses, yes). I stick to my point: Windows can be as secure as any ¨nix box, IF you read the Knowledge Pages, IF you update your system when it says to, IF you know the weaknesses in your system . Hackers know the weaknesses in your system in your system. Shouldn't you? This is copyrighted... under US law.... By JP... And AntiOnline... That's the difference..

[ivan37]

*nix is more secure than Windows because you don't have to keep up on patches. *nix has fewer vulerabilities than Microsoft. For every vuln, there is a time when your box could potentially be compromised between when the vuln is found and when the vuln is patched. Because *nix has fewer vulns, there is less total time for it to be potentially compromised.

[Byzanti_The_Mad]

Thank you both for the replies, and sorry it's been a few days since i checked back. The message that comes up when windows starts is for WININIT (says the typical 'this program will be shut down.....'), when i look at the details it says WININIT.exe like i stated originally. The message says it's an invalid page fault, and throws out diferent numbers. I searched my comp for the wininit.exe program. when i tried to access it, a dos-looking screen came up and said that it couldn't be run while windows was running (like you said). anyways, i'll check the link you gave. also, i started up my computer the other day and my 'D' drive(2nd hard drive) was missing from my comp. i did just put it back in and it had all my stuff on it, but i'm guessing i did have a virus.

[ivan37]

To check if it is a virus - scan your computer with Trend Micro's Housecall - http://housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/start_pcc.asp then go buy an anti-virus product.

[Byzanti_The_Mad]

Have ya'll heard of a 'CIH' virus? The site that supports the problem i was having with that game shows that i might have that virus on my computer. It pointed me towards a dos-run program called 'AVP'. Anyways, it takes a while to run through my stuff and i don't know if i'm doing it right. Is there any kind of d-loadable program that will find and clean a virus? If you know of one i'd appreciate it a bunch.

thanx again
-byz

[Negative]

CIH is the Chernobyl Virus. It's TSR (Terminate and Stay Resistant). It'll erase your data and try to overwrite your flash BIOS.

F-Secure should clean it.

If you're looking for other anti-virus software: Tucows