Poplar,

Instructions to run Aproposfix.exe

Download AproposFix from here: http://swandog46.geekstogo.com/aproposfix.exe

Save it to your desktop but do NOT run it yet. Then please reboot your
computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:

1. Start Windows in Safe Mode.
2. Locate and double-click the downloaded file, aproposfix.exe.

This will create a new folder on your desktop called aproposfix. Open the
aproposfix folder on your desktop and run RunThis.bat. Follow the prompts.

If that did not help, follow-up with a thorough malware cleanup. Begin with
the stand-alone scanner from Trend Micro, named "Sysclean". Full
instructions at:

Generic Trojan / Adware Infestation Removal Procedure:
http://www.claymania.com/removal-trojan-adware.html

Trend Micro Sysclean package
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=10820

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com


"Poplar" <poplar@donotspam.com> wrote in message
news:F107D203-B531-482B-A3CE-D622E044AF2A@microsoft.com...
> Ramesh I downloaded the Propusfix tool and it has not made any difference.
> The problem is still there. I also checked that the Plug and Play was on
> automatic in services as suggested by Carey but this has not resolved the
> problem.
> --
> Poplar
>
>
> "Ramesh, MS-MVP" wrote:
>
>> This issue showing up recently, seems to be caused by a Malware named
>> Apropos.C. It installs a Kernel driver with a random file name. More
>> information available at:
>>
>> http://securityresponse.symantec.com...apropos.c.html
>>
>> Removal tool:
>>
>> See if running the AproposFix tool below helps:
>> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14679793
>>
>> Thanks to McCarthy for supplying the above URL. Note that the utility
>> referenced above removes a Malware reponsible for blank device manager.
>>
>> Other possibilities:
>>
>> No Items Appear in the Device Manager List When You Open It
>> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;311504
>>
>> Also read this,
>> "If Device Manager is showing nothing, then Its the plug and play service
>> that is the problem. But if the Device manager is showing the system_name
>> and not showing any devices in the window, then check the security
>> permissions on the Registry key HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\ENUM .The
>> SYSTEM account must have full control permissions on this key in order
>> for
>> the Device manager to list all the devices in the window."
>>
>> Annoyances.org - Empty Device Manager (Windows XP Discussion Forum):
>> http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1051715405
>>
>> --
>> Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
>> Windows XP Shell/User
>>
>> Windows XP Troubleshooting
>> http://www.winhelponline.com
>>
>>
>> "Poplar" <poplar@donotspam.com> wrote in message
>> news:B7E093C1-B43C-47F9-8A92-E4891744BC13@microsoft.com...
>> >I am having a similar problem and worse still Device Manager when it
>> >opens
>> >is
>> > empty and not showing any devices.
>> > --
>> > Poplar
>> >
>> >
>> > "ZIMALISA" wrote:
>> >
>> >> When I try to open the Device Manager, I get this error: "Microsoft
>> >> Management Console has encountered a problem and needs to close. We
>> >> are
>> >> sorry for the inconvenience." I've sent this error report to
>> >> Microsoft
>> >> numerous times, with no help. Please help!!
>> >>
>> >> Thanks,
>> >>
>> >> Lisa
>>
>>