Had a problem with SpySheriff

[Wayneo]

Somehow i ended up with 3 versions of a prog called SpySheriff installed on my PC. It changed my background to a screen that says my computer is infected and keeps popping up a link to pay $15 to remove the prog.


I've finally got rid of the prog but my admin rites seem to have been reduced. I can't change my desktop background nor can i access my task manager, it says its been disabled by my administrator


I am the only login (auto) into my system, running XP pro

Any ideas on how i can get full admin rites back and change my b'ground etc

[Uncle Nick]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

Safe mode? Should give you the option of logging in as the administrator... When you get there, avail yourself of the contents of the spyware-sticky!

[Wayneo]

im in as admin in normal mode, i just need to know how to change the priveledges

[Uncle Nick]

I take it that the Users tab on the Control Panel isn't helping?

Would your Group membership be under Group Policies? (gpedit.msc)

[Wayneo]

no ive been in the users tab, it is just me and guest is disabled and i am down as admin.

How do i check the name of group membership and policies??

[Uncle Nick]

no ive been in the users tab, it is just me and guest is disabled and i am down as admin.

Did you try the Users tab in Safe Mode? Often XP hides the actual "Administrator" account in normal mode - your account may have admin rights but there's probably still the original "Administrator" account as well.

One of the "setup" questions that XP asks is "What are the names of the people using this PC" - which actually means "I'm going to create some new accounts and hide the default Admin account. Give me the names of the new accounts".


How do i check the name of group membership and policies??

No idea, but if there's nothing helpful under gpedit.msc (start --> run --> gpedit.msc) then you're looking towards a fresh install.