Windows XP Error Message

[edandanne]

At start up, get the following Error Message:
"Windows cannot find C:\nail.exe. Make sure that you typed the name correctly and try again"

If I click on the "ok" button the message disappears and the system runs perfectly.
I searched for this phantom nail.exe file but there isn't one on the system.
Does anyone recognise it ?
What action can I take to stop this message from showing up again ?.

[Rustynut]

Start > run > type: msconfig.
once the window opens choose your startup tab (far right top )
see what you are running on your start up, locate the program it is trying to load then remove the check mark from the left side of that file.
click ok and close.
Next boot up you may see a box stating there was a change to the startup files and a question if it ok to continue, click ok and let it boot. That should solve the problem if it is a program that is trying to start up as the pc boots.

Should that fail and you cannot see anything pertaining to that error file, then search your registry for anything to do with that particular file. Be sure to back up your registry and be very careful not to delete anything other than that reference.
To be on the safe side print off a copy of the tree in which the reference is located so you have a paper copy to set it right should there be a problem. A screen shot print off is great for that as it shows exactly where you did your editing.

To be truly safe try a registry editor program like registry mechanic.

[Ron]

You have Adware.BetterInternet Nail.exe

Download/update/run Spybot S&D www.safer-networking.org/
Download/update/run Adaware www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Download/update/run in safe mode Ewido Security Suite www.ewido.net/en/download/
Download/update/run MS Antispyware (Beta) http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

After you're done post a HJT log http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

edited to add MS Antispyware