After updating McAfee Antivirus to the latest definitions (version 5958), many windows XP users were told they had a virus called “W32/Wecorl.a” in C:WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe. After cleaning this file or rebooting their computer would either fail to boot completely or would restart over and over in an infinite loop.

If you use McAfee Anti-virus and experience symptoms similar to this there is a relatively easy fix. To repair the problem boot your computer and hold down the f8 key during start up (after the computer manufacturer logo but before the windows logo).

When prompted with several boot options, select “safe mode” from the list by using your up and down arrows and pressing enter or return when it is highlighted.

After booting into safe mode you will be prompted with a message asking you if you want to continue. Be sure to select yes or ok to continue.

Next click the start button and select “Run”. In the dialogue box type:

C:\Program Files\McAfee\VirusScan\DAT\5958.0

and click ok. Once a new windows opens, delete the contents of the folder.

Now click on the start menu and select “Run” again. In the dialogue box type:

copy %systemroot%\system32\dllcache\svchost.exe %systemroot%\system32

Now open the start menu and click “Run” a final time. In the dialogue box type:

sfc /scannow

The system file checker will now check your files to make sure everything is back in place. Once it completes successfully, reboot your computer by selecting shutdown from the start menu and clicking “Restart” at the prompt.

If this fails to correct the problem please contact me and I will be happy to assist you in fixing this problem at no cost to you!

According to McAfee’s website:

“For impacted home or home office customers who have incurred costs to repair PCs as a result of the security update issue, McAfee will reimburse reasonable expenses, such as a visit to a local tech support specialist.”

If you do not use Mcafee antivirus or experience a problem other than the one described, you should still call 352-234-4278 right away to schedule repairs. Repairs often become more difficult and time consuming the longer you wait to fix a virus or other computer problem.