Member Avatar for Hagar

Hi from Oz

Received Mcafee Virus warning on running Anti Virus program - deleted file from System 32 - only problem I have is that now when I boot up Windows tells me it cant locate file

Can someone assist me in getting rid of this - step by step as I am not that proficient.

Hagar

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by dlh6213

Dani AI

Generated

Brief note tying the posts together and a safe, step‑by‑step approach.

The startup error appears because Windows is trying to run a program named mcafee32.exe at logon but that file no longer exists in the System32 folder. reported deleting a file during an AV alert; correctly asked about the OS (XP); and suggested a System Restore. System Restore will roll back the missing file, but the targeted steps below stop the error and let volunteers examine the system without a full restore.

  1. Stop the error immediately (safe, reversible)

    • Boot to Safe Mode (press F8 during boot).
    • Run msconfig (Start -> Run -> msconfig) and open the Startup tab. Uncheck any entries that reference mcafee32 or clearly suspicious McAfee items, then OK and reboot.
    • Check the Start Menu Startup folder (per‑user and All Users) and remove any shortcut pointing to mcafee32.exe.

  2. Check the Run keys (only if comfortable editing the registry)

    • Open regedit and inspect:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Export the key before changing it, then delete any mcafee32 entry. Editing the registry without a backup can break Windows—export first.

  3. Repair vs remove vs confirm infection

    • If mcafee32.exe was part of a legitimate McAfee product, reinstalling the McAfee product will restore the file.
    • If the file was removed as part of malware cleanup, avoid restoring an infected file; instead run an offline/bootable scanner or a current AV rescue scan to confirm the system is clean before replacing anything.

For deeper diagnosis, posting a HijackThis log (as suggested) lets experienced members pinpoint leftover run keys and startup items and recommend the next safe step.

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Member Avatar for JoetjeF

What file are you missing and what OS (including SP) are you running?

Member Avatar for Hagar

I am operating with XP

Message box comes on start up - mcafee 32.exe

" Windows cannot find 'mcafee32.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly,and then try again. To search for a file click the start button and then click search "

But the file isn't there. I am wondering in deleting the virus Mcafeew32.exe, I may have deleted a mcafee32.exe if it existed in XP

Appreciate help

Hagar

Member Avatar for dlh6213

Hi Hagar, welcome to DaniWeb :D

I've moved your thread to the Virus forum as I feel this is a more appropriate place for it.

I suggest you first use System Restore to return your system to a time before you deleted the file you seem to be having trouble with.

Then, follow the recommendations and instructions in the links below. When you've finished that, post your HijackThis log in this thread and we'll (hopefully) get this problem sorted out :).

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