Can't open C: because of the following error

[ztein]

Hi.
I can't open my local C: drive, because of the following error that appears:

Windows cannot find 'RECYCLER\S-3-2-94-100023557-100028731-100006868-4275.com'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

I also tried to run Error check, but it said that "Windows was unable to run error check".

Everything was working fine after I downloaded and ran a file, which my Antivir detected as Trojan.
I rescanned my system and found 4 trojans, and then i deleted them.

The weird thing is that you can still access C: through "Explore" option.

Thx

[Steve R Jones]

Since this is an OS issue and not a hardware issue, I moved it here guessing that you're using XP. Which OS are you using?

[ztein]

Im using XP Pro SP3

[Welshjim]

ztein-- I have not seen this problem, but here is some thinking out loud.
1) C:\Recycler is a folder containing the Recycle Bins for each account on the PC. The Recycle Bin in question is that for user #S-3-2-94. Are you using that account when this happens?
2)The Recycler folder is often a hidden folder. But I would think Windows could find it, even when hidden. Make sure the box for "Show hidden files and folders" is checked and the box for "Hide protected operating sysytem files" is unchecked in Windows Explorer|Tools|Folder Options|View tab? Have you run a Search for this file? When you use this account, do you see a Recycle Bin icon on the desktop?
3) "'RECYCLER\S-3-2-94-100023557-100028731-100006868-4275.com'" seems a little strange. The file name of a Recycle bin should not have .com at the end--at least mine do not. If you find this file (using Search), perhaps disable it (or move it elsewhere) and see if you still get the message.
4) "Everything was working fine after I downloaded and ran a file"
???
5) I understand you still have the problem even after getting rid of the virus. Maybe you still have malware. You could follow the suggestions here
http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=167915
6) The only reference I can find to this is in Russian and other Slavic languages
http://it.com.mk/forum/showthread.ph...173#post104173

[SuperSparks]

I think you need to do an over-the-top re-install of Windows XP here. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by pressing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

Repair XP

WinXP Non-destructive Total Rebuild

[ztein]

I've reinstalled my winxp all over again, but the same thing happened.

This time though i didnt catch any viruses.

I noticed that the name of the computer might play the big role in the problem, because i changed my pc's name from informat-...(some numbers) to Lenovo.
____________________________________

Yes I found the Recycler on my C:\RECYCLER, but its name seems to have a little different numbers in it.
I moved it to desktop but nothing changed.

I also tried to change the name to the one it couldn't find, and when I added ".com" windows opened that recycler folder if i cliked on C:

[DeP]

All well known SIDS start with S-1-5-...
SID: S-1-5-18
Name: Local System
Description: A service account that is used by the operating system.
SID: S-1-5-19
Name: NT Authority
Description: Local Service
SID: S-1-5-20
Name: NT Authority
Description: Network Service
Any user profile SID begins with S-1-5-21-...

S-3-2-94-... doesn't sound right....
Especially this .com behind it.
I'm with Welshjim, read this http://discussions.virtualdr.com/sho...d.php?t=167915

[ztein]

Well, all I can say that this problem is still a mystery to me, but i got rid of it after reinstalling my windows xp(for the 4th time).
Except this time, i was checking for viruses every single file i opened, made alot of system restore points and now everything seems to be fine.
Although my SimpleTech external usb harddrive, caught this bad habit from my pc, and the tech guy on the phone said that i either use the "explore" option everytime or simply format it, which afterwards worked.
Thx anyways, but would be interesting wat could cause this... 80% that is was a trojan.

[sim1990]

Hey guys, im experiencing exactly the same problem. Everytime i attempt to open my c drive i recieve that exact same RECYCLER error. But when i was doing an AVG scan, i could see the RECYLER folder, which i normally couldnt see when i explore my C drive (cuz i didnt enable see system files) and i saw there programs which i have unistalled which are tor related. But this thing is really bugging me. Im this close *puts up fingers* to smashing my comp.

[jwne]

I have had this RECYCLER issue happen 3 times. I am just coming back from a reformat and clean reinstall of XP for the third time in 2 months!

This .com file that places itself in your Recycler folder, at least in my case, comes from after trying to hotlink to a pic or whatever and the site zaps you with this nasty file. I have AVG and this .com file slips right under AVG's radar. I call it nasty because it does more damage than simply not letting you browse your C drive from an icon click.

What this file also does to your system is:

1. Destroys your system restore. You can no longer restore from a checkpoint nor make a checkpoint of your own.

2. Automatically disables your Windows Firewall. Each time you reboot, your firewall will be shut off. After turning firewall back on it will turn back off on its own at random time intervals.

3. Windows will get a virtual memory error, often followed by system shutdown.

Even tho you might again be able to browse your C drive after deleting this file, the sad truth about all of the above is that these problems still remain after you have located and deleted the nasty thing and even reinstalled Windows over top of the existing copy! So before you think that you've outsmarted the thing you best keep a watch on 1, 2 and 3 above!

The only way I have been able to completely recover from this is a reformat of the drive and OS reinstall.

[dneilson]

One of you fellows had to reinstall 4 times and the other 3 times. When you have your system running right again you might want to consider doing an Image backup to another hard drive. Then, when you have this or other bad problems instead of hours or days of reinstalling everything just restore the backup and in a matter of minutes you're good to go again. Just a thought.