Usually running a spyware remover program and anti-virus software will solve most of the computer problems caused by malware, viruses and software. However some problems can remain especially if some program has not been installed /uninstalled properly on your computer or a hacker has specifically targeted your computer. In such cases , the problem will be specific to your computer and no generic solution will be available.
How to fix it:
1. Restart the computer. If this does not work, shut the computer down for at least 5 minutes and then switch it on again. You can also select the last known good configuration during startup to undo changes which are causing problems.
2. If the problem occurs after a new device driver has been installed or an old device driver has been updated, you can roll back the device driver.
My Computer ---->Properties ---->Hardware---->Device Manage----> select hardware------>Properties----> Driver----->Roll back driver
3. Use system restore to undo changes if problems occur - Article from Microsoft Windows XP support . Restore your computer configuration to an earlier stable configuration. Usually at least one system restore point is created every week, so you can use the latest restore point.
When you start the computer, keep the F8 key pressed, and select the safe mode.
Then you will be given an option to use system restore and select the restore point.
Sometimes, a restore point may be corrupted, you may have to use an older restore point.
Programs which were installed recently may have to be reinstalled.
Also all websites visited may not be shown in Internet Explorer history after a system restore.
However all data stored on the hard disk - documents , text , graphics files and emails will not be affected and the latest changes will remain saved.
Due to certain viruses, some computers may not have system restore enabled.
4. If nothing else works, you may have to reformat your hard disk . Reinstall the operating system and software required.