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Windows Explorer not running at startup


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#1
JimChooz

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I had no icons, task bar etc. If I run explorer.exe via task manager all comes back. The problem now is, every time I shut down and reboot, I have to get my desktop back via task manager. I tried to pin explorer to startup menu but that hasn't worked.

Any help would be great!

Thanks.
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#2
Give_Up

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This problem can spawn from either:

-Installing Norton (its been known to sometimes screw with startup registry settings)
-Spyware/Malware

Edited by Rorschach112, 22 July 2008 - 12:42 PM.
Removed malware advice

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#3
wasup23

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start>run>msconfig
click on startup, make sure Explorer.exe is checked on
if it is then idk
if not, theres your problem

Edited by wasup23, 22 July 2008 - 08:38 PM.

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#4
JimChooz

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explorer.exe isn't even listed in my startup...... and what's idk? don't see it either?
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#5
Jonesey

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explorer.exe isn't even listed in my startup...... and what's idk? don't see it either?


idk = I Don't Know.
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#6
wasup23

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its not even listed?
hmmm im not sure the only thing i can think of is put in startup folder but i guess you already tried that
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#7
JimChooz

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yup.... tried that. crazy!
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#8
123Runner

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You will not find explorer.exe in msconfig startup. It is not part of that process because it is a required process. Those items in msconfig/ startup are mostly programs.

Try going to start/run and typing in "sfc /scannow" without the quotes. Also note the space before the slash. You will need a original XP cd of the same version (home or Pro). This will replace/verify the original dll files.

Also you can try the XP explorer repair found HERE.

This could also be malware related. Go to READ THIS BEFORE POSTING A HIJACK LOG
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#9
Artellos

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You can also try repairing Windows XP in a whole.
Take a look at the Pinned Topic in the XP forum.

Regards,
Olrik
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#10
Ahmed Mounir

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If you post registry advice, have users backup the registry first
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#11
1101doc

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Failure of explorer.exe at boot is a very common symptom of malware, and that must be taken seriously. There are, of course, other causes, and one of the quickest ways to check explorer.exe functionality is through Safe Mode.

If explorer.exe does not function properly in Safe Mode, do not pass "Go" on your way to the Malware Forum.

If explorer.exe behaves normally in Safe Mode, malware, if extant, has not yet completely suborned the system and may effectively respond to on-line scan/removal. (Professional help is still recommended, and Geeks-to-go has some of the best in the world. I wouldn't take chances.)

If Safe Mode is working OK, create a new admin level user account and log in to it. Please be patient for a couple of minutes while Windows configures the new account. If explorer.exe functions correctly in the new account, the likelyhood of malware is reduced. (but not eliminated).

If the new account performs properly, it is not difficult to copy all data and settings from the old account: http://support.micro...om/?kbid=811151

In any event, even if you get back to a normal Windows environment, a series of full scans and a professional reading of a HiJackThis log are recommended whenever this common symptom of serious infection is found.
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