My friend recently gave me a program to download for free. Adobe Photoshop. She said it was free and what not. So I agreed to download it. She gave me some instructions, and I started downloading it.
When it was done being installed, it asked me to restart my computer. I did this.
When I logged back onto my account, the desktop was all black. There were no icons on the desktop. There was no toolbar or start button at the bottom of my screen. And only "My Documents" was up. :S
I thought this was strange. :S
During the installation, a pop up from one of my security things, said that there was a new virus dectected. It was said it was a trojan or something. :S I just clicked "Remove" and continued with the installation.
I have Windows Vista. I have no idea what other information you may need, seeing as though I don't know much about computers and stuff.
If there is a way in which I don't have to reprogram my whole computer and delete everything, that'd be great. 
Thank you!
Btw, I have been able to uninstall it. But it's still remains black with no icons and toolbar. 
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Dee Con Gested // Jul 18, 2008
find the program in your start, all programs and uninstall! it may not be compatible with vista!
then get faststone.org its better nad freeware! works with vista too!
2 snailprophet // Jul 18, 2008
The legal version of Adobe Photoshop is not free. Therefore, the program you downloaded is an illegal trojan.
I say you remove it. Try going to Start- All Programs- Accessories- System Tools- System Restore and select a restore point to before you installed the program.
3 Younis S // Jul 18, 2008
it can be a trojan horse!
Trojan Horses are kind of viruses with which one can control your system while using net. Whenever u r online ur ip will be sent (by trojan) to the hacker and he will start operating your pc. He can change files, download them, or can delete the windows…..
Trojan horse mostly copy itself (so can't be removed if you uninstall photoshop) in your system and is programmed to automatically start when your system is restarted.
just sound beat your friend and have a good antivirus to delete it.
4 kuraudysan // Jul 18, 2008
Definitely sounds like you have a virus of some sort. Vista is pretty nasty about that stuff, with my experience. Here's what I'd do in your situation:
Depending on which antivirus you have, you should check to make sure that it's compatible with your operating system. Vista's relatively recent, and Norton 2000 won't work as well on Vista as the newest version of Norton. Check that, and also pay a visit to your local computer shop or call the antivirus company's customer service line. You may have also gotten a corrupted or infected version of Photoshop. Next time, try downloading from somewhere more… reliable. Note: I am NOT encouraging free downloads of software that costs an arm and a leg in most retail stores. But next time you download something 'free,' make sure that it really is free and shareware.
Also, try logging in again, and hit the Windows key that brings up your Start menu. If nothing happens, consult a local computer professional.
5 Matthew F // Jul 18, 2008
This might work. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and click on Start Task Manager, then New Task, the type in explorer and then Ok. if that doesnt work Literaly kill your friend. I would sugest Raping him the breaking his neck and stealing all his stuff including his wallet!
6 jschmiz24 // Jul 18, 2008
You should start your computer in safe mode, I believe it is F8 or F12, not sure with Vista, and do a system restore. Make sure to choose a date prior to the installation of the fake program.
This will take your computer back to exactly how it was prior to the trojan.
You should also consider downloading AVG Free from http://www.download.com
AVG is a free Anti-virus and Anti-spyware program that business use, but is offered for personal private use for free. I have used it for over 4 years now and have never had a problem.
7 Antoine // Jul 18, 2008
Sorry, but I am not entirely familiar with Vista, however, I will tell you what to do in XP, and the directions should be pretty much the same..
First off, I am assuming you are viewing this from another computer.
So here's what you'd do:
1) Turn off your computer. Seeing as there are no icons and no toolbar, you probably won't be able to do this the 'proper' way. However, you can try hitting the windows key (the logo) and pressing "U" twice. I don't expect this to work, but if it does, great. Otherwise, press or press and hold the computer's power button until it turns off.
2) Now turn it back on. Tap F8 repeatedly, until a black screen with a list of options comes up. If it says something like, "Windows Vista…", press F8 again. Now there should be a list including Safe Mode, Safe Mode w/ Command Prompt, etc.". Choose Last Known Good Configuration.
3) If that doesn't solve your problems, repeat Steps 1 and 2, but this time choose Safe Mode instead of Last Known Good Configuration.
4) Now what you want to try is a system restore. If a box comes up and asks if you would like to use System Restore, choose that (on XP, you choose "No").
5) Use this and find a date BEFORE THE PROBLEMS STARTED, then choose Next or whatever so that it starts to restore. Hopefully this works.
6) However, if it doesn't, as far as I can see, you will have to do a Repair Install using the Windows Vista CD. This doesn't cause you to lose any files, but usually it will remove links to your applications and you will have to reinstall them. You will also have to download any updates and reconfigure some preferences (such as your wallpaper and icon placements).
If this solved your problem, great. Also, if you were cured before Step 6, make sure you remove any remnants of that bad application. Its more than likely the source of your misery.
I would also like to suggest that you don't download programs from unknown sites (even if it's a 'known' friend. A deal like this has to come at some kind of cost, malware is usually it.
Remember: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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