[Aidan23]

Hi

i turned on my computer one day and it loaded and everything but it dosent show the icons or start bar on my desktop. i can open stuff by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and going to task manager but there is no icons.

if anyone can give me a step by step guide to fixing it, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Edited by Aidan23, 13 August 2008 - 04:51 AM.

[Advertisements]

Hi Aidan and Welcome! to Geeks-to-Go.

It sounds to me like explorer.exe is not working for you. Since you know how to start processes from Taskmanager with File>New Task (Run), do it again and this time type: explorer.exe OK.

This should start explorer.exe and give you back a normal UI with Taskbar and Start Menu. Unfortunately, this is a very common symptom of malware, and if your UI does not return to normal that is likey the case with your system.

In fairness, there are other causes, so to check, reboot to Safe Mode and check the function of explorer there. If all is well, create a new Admin level user account and log into that. If everything is OK there it is possible to transfer your data and settings over: http://support.micro...om/?kbid=811151

If Safe Mode is no joy, and/or if the new account is goofy, do not pass "Go" on your way to the malware forum. Even if you do find a normal Windows environment in a new account, I strongly suggest going through a full malware removal check anyway. This symptom (no explorer) is so common and suggests such a nasty bug that it is always worth the effort to be assured that the system is, in fact, clean. Why take chances?

What follows is sort of a standard "What to do about malware" post:

I suggest that you follow the procedures outlined here:
http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html

When complete, post a HiJackThis log here:
http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html
Posting a HJT log elsewhere will only delay the help you need.

In your first post, please provide full system specifications and a concise description of the problem.
You will be helped by a trained malware removal specialist.

If problems remain after your helper gives you a clean bill of health,
post back here and we will assist in getting everything sorted.

Good luck, and happy hunting.

[1101doc]

Hi Aidan and Welcome! to Geeks-to-Go.

It sounds to me like explorer.exe is not working for you. Since you know how to start processes from Taskmanager with File>New Task (Run), do it again and this time type: explorer.exe OK.

This should start explorer.exe and give you back a normal UI with Taskbar and Start Menu. Unfortunately, this is a very common symptom of malware, and if your UI does not return to normal that is likey the case with your system.

In fairness, there are other causes, so to check, reboot to Safe Mode and check the function of explorer there. If all is well, create a new Admin level user account and log into that. If everything is OK there it is possible to transfer your data and settings over: http://support.micro...om/?kbid=811151

If Safe Mode is no joy, and/or if the new account is goofy, do not pass "Go" on your way to the malware forum. Even if you do find a normal Windows environment in a new account, I strongly suggest going through a full malware removal check anyway. This symptom (no explorer) is so common and suggests such a nasty bug that it is always worth the effort to be assured that the system is, in fact, clean. Why take chances?

What follows is sort of a standard "What to do about malware" post:

I suggest that you follow the procedures outlined here:
http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html

When complete, post a HiJackThis log here:
http://www.geekstogo...o-Here-f37.html
Posting a HJT log elsewhere will only delay the help you need.

In your first post, please provide full system specifications and a concise description of the problem.
You will be helped by a trained malware removal specialist.

If problems remain after your helper gives you a clean bill of health,
post back here and we will assist in getting everything sorted.

Good luck, and happy hunting.