I used an AntiVir Rescue CD to perform a scan outside of Windows (as after logging in, all that was displaying was an advert - no desktop, taskbar, etc.). AntiVir wasn’t able to remove the files, but rename them (appended .XXX to the filename).

I then got to the point that rebooting - no advert, but still no desktop and taskbar. Entered Task Manager and tried running explorer.exe, as you had, and got the same error.

I too Google’d and found a solution at a different site - http://forums.thatcomputerguy.us/index.php?showtopic=13606&pid=135748&st=0&#entry82803 - it just shows how long this sort of “exploit” has been used.

This laptop’s [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe] also had wuauclt.exe as the debugger (in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Common\). I just looked into the folder and it’s completely empty, so something removed it, probably CA, leaving me in the same situation as you thanks to Symantec.

I’ll probably run a free Reg cleaner (such as CCleaner or Eusing Free Registry Cleaner) over it to reapir other defunct registry entries.

It’s good to know I’m not the only one out there that struggled with this issue!

If you pass through by any Decathlon stores, get me a pair of “Kalenji Success”, size 40 1/2 european! (should cost like 10 euro)

Stop surfing the internets you nerd, enjoy your holiday

Sydney is miserable and (currently) rainy, you’re not missing anything here.

I know it’s probably nowhere near as bad in Europe, but make sure you don’t get ripped off if you go to any dodgy markets. In KL, some guy tried to convince me to buy fake Oakleys for $90AUD, then told me he was giving me the best price because I was his friend, at $80AUD. I promptly walked away and he apparently gave me the finger, although I ended up going back later that day and getting them for about $13AUD.

Update us at each airport, most of the decent ones have free wifi going.