Problem with my shop computer running Windows XP

[randr]

An odd window poped up and the system went into reboot.
Restarted with no icons except for an empty recycle.
Got into the control panel and found there are no files on my C drive. It is like the computer disappeared.

[canetoad]

1. You have possible picked up

'Windows Diagnostic Virus' which is actually malware designed to scare you into clicking on a link to a 'fix'.

If you Google the term, there are plenty of removal instructions around for example: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-windows-diagnostic

I recommend you first try this:

1. On another computer download Malwarebytes antimalware and transfer it to a usb drive
2. Start the infected machine in safe mode (tap F8 as computer boots, follow the prompts)
3. Install Malwarebytes in safe mode
4. Do a full scan of the computer in safe mode

After that, using a manual removal guide, check for leftover files, dlls etc.

[randr]

2. Thank you so much Canetoad

Followed your recommendation. Malware found at least a dozen viruses that it removed and still had to restart again in safe mode and grab an old saved config.. Window XP is full of surprises.
Thanks again from an old fart.

[BlueJazz]

3. Canetoad knows the Score!

[canetoad]

4. Thanks Jazz

:hi:

I've cleaned this one up before. It can be scary if you've never seen it cos it can prevent download and installation of cleaning programs.

Randr - hopefully your files are restored after cleanup. This malware can make it look like your drive is hosed!

[trud]

5. can't say enough good things about malwarebytes antimalware

It keeps my XP SP3 system in tiptop shape and bails me out when I get in trouble. Very easy to understand too.