For the last three days, my PC has been acting very strange upon start-up.
It starts with 640x480 resolution screen and refuses to accept any higher res setting.
I have to re-install the NVIDIA driver and restart the PC to solve this.
But next time I start my PC up, I have the same problem again.
Now I have go through this re-installation steps everytimes I start my PC.

What's wrong with my PC?
Can anyone help me here?

I have P4, 3 GHz, 1 G ram, Window XP home, NVIDIA Geforece FX 5200.
I've already scanned my PC several times with several applications and it is free of spywares and viruses.
This is cold start so it is not temp related.
Also I didn't have any new software installed recently.


Harry.

Hi Harry Houston,

Welcome to PCHF. You'd be amazed how many infected PCs come in here claiming that they don't have an infection. LOL. We have a pretty great team of techs here, and I am sure we can help you troubleshoot your way back out of this graphic nightmare.

First of all, it is important that we rule out malware. It can be as much how the scan is done, as what you used. Can you please post the programs you used to scan so far? Please start out by carefully following the instructions for PreWork in my signature. Post the resulting two logs back here, and let's see if anything shows up.

Also, have you tried completely uninstalling your graphics card, (switching back to the integrated if you have one. ) Then doing a thorough registry cleaning, and then reinstalling the graphics card? Just a thought.

Look forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

Thank you LGW.

I'll follow your instructions and hope that help.
I did not want to post how I routinely scan my PC at first as I use too manyt things but here they are:-

For virus scan I use MvAfee, AntiVIR, AVG Anitvirus, PANDA.
For spyware I use Spybot, Ad-Aware, TrendMicro Anti Spyware and Spyware Doctor.
I also use CCleaner on a regular basis too.

When I tired to download ATF cleaner that you recommened, I saw Registry Mechanic instead.
Are they the same or should I try to find ATF again?


Harry.

Actually, I didn't specify a Reg cleaner, but let's make sure that there aren't any signs of malware before we go messing about in the registry. I think when all is said and done tho, I will point you in the direction of RegSupremePro. I've been REALLY impressed with how thorough it is.

Looking forward to taking a look at your logs.

TTFN

LGW

LGW, attached is my log file from HiJack this.
This is a far as I can do comfortably with my limited PC knowledge.
Hope you can help me out, hear from you soon.

Thank you in advance.

Harry

Attached Files

hijackthis5-20-2006.log (10.5 KB, 2 views)

Dear Harry...
Your hijack this log appears to show between 3 & 5 antivirus apps all running @ once:

AntiVir personal
AVG (grisoft)
Panda Titanium
McAfee

I can't tell if they are all actually RUNNING... but-- there is such a thing as too MUCH protection... especially with antivirus apps. I would start by eliminating at least 3 of those. Pick your favorite,or the one you paid for, or whatever... but 3-4 antivirus applications all running in the background could cause you too lose your graphics driver... and maybe more than that. You should not have more than one running at the same time.

I'm no expert-- but I don't see anything else in that log --

maybe LGW can comment ??