I am trying to fix the computer for elderly couple next door that know nothing about computers. I am good enough to be dangerous. So here is what I know and if anyone can help, bless you.
They have a Dell Vostro 1000 computer with XP Home Edition. They picked up a virus called I believe Windowssecurity.ra which totally took over their system. I was able to remove the viris after much trouble with various removel programs by downloading them to my computer, burning a CD and using it on their computer. It worked fine for awhile but then acted up again so the old couple decided to just start over and reloaded the copy of the OP system that came with their computer. Now it is really messed up. All I get is a wallpaper with their account names on it, no icons, no task bars, no start button, nothing to control it. When I click on their account name, it tells me Windows has to authorize the Windows OP system. But I can't do this as I have no way to connect to internet and no controls. I have tried wirelss and connecting directg to cable click yes, but nothing happens. I decided to do a complete hardrive erase but the computer won't reboot using the CD Rom so I can't even do that. I am at a loss what to do and these old people are very poor and can't afford a tech and the computer is how they communicate with their kids.