desktop icons gone!

[joshb1]

ok, so this is my first post and i unfortunately had downloaded a virus...

I am running windows 7 and have Nortons 360 as my anti-virus.

So this is what happened i had downloaded a file then a bit later i tried to go look at some emails and browse the internet and it was extremely slow. so i tried to reboot my computer and all my desktop items are gone but i still can access start and all my files so i tried to reboot again and exact same thing. so i then took out the internet line and scanned with norton's and on the scan it showed 43 viruses.

so now im stuck i don't think they got my data (well not all of it) and im not sure if it is a virus or not.

thanking you in advance

[daledoc1]

Hello and welcome, joshb1:

First thing -- don't panic.

You stuff may still be recoverable.

We cannot work on malware removal in this sub-section of the forum, so please read below for assistance with cleaning your system.

VERY, VERY IMPORTANT: Please do NOT use any temporary file cleaners unless instructed to do so - they can cause data loss, making recovery difficult.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE EXPERT HELP WITH MALWARE REMOVAL, PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 3 OPTIONS:

OPTION 1: Free, one-on-one, expert assistance in the Malware Removal Forum.

OPTION 2: For licensed users of MBAM PRO, there is free, one-on-one, expert assistance from the MBAM support helpdesk.

OPTION 3: Fee-based, one-on-one, expert assistance from Premium Support.

OPTION 1:

• Please print out, read and carefully follow the instructions in the "I'm Infected - What Do I Do Now?" sticky topic.
  
• -->If the infection has so crippled the computer that you cannot complete some or all of the steps, then just do the best you can and start a new topic as described below.
  
• Then please start a new post in the Malware Removal Forum.
  
• An authorized, trained malware expert will provide free, one-on-one assistance as soon as one becomes available.
  

• -->>When starting your new post, please note the following:<<--
  
• Please do NOT post in a topic started by someone else, even if their problem sounds similar.
  
• Please COPY/PASTE the requested logs directly into your post, rather than attaching them.
  
• Under options, please be sure to select "track this topic" and "immediate email notification", so you'll know when a helper responds.
  
• Please be patient - it may be 48 hours or more before a helper can assist you, especially when the forum is very busy.
  
• Please do NOT "bump" your topic or reply back to it for at least 48 hours.
  
• Doing so may cause your topic to be overlooked, as it will appear that you are already being helped.
  

OPTION 2:

If you are a paid user of MBAM PRO and would like support via the helpdesk, please contact them HERE.

OPTION 3:

If you prefer the Malwarebytes Premium Services (comprehensive solutions to all your computer support needs – from installation and set-up to troubleshooting and tune-ups), please go to the Premium Support site HERE.

Please be patient – someone will assist you as soon as possible.

Thank you very much,

daledoc1

[joshb1]

thanks for replying so quickly but how do i know if my computer does not have any virus

[AdvancedSetup]

They will assist you in the HJT forum or the help desk Josh. The only way to know for sure is to run tools, scanners, and review logs to know for sure.

Thanks