here's an explorer doozy

[bchzd1]

I can start my computer and all I get is my background. Nothing else. No icons, no task bar, nothing. I can hit F3 and manually start any program I like but explorer will not fire up at all when I start. Is there someway to fix this? I truly dont want to do a reinstall. Too much stuff to deal with. Or is there somewhere to place that command to start it without having to do a restore?

I did try a system restore and it wont restore to any earlier point.
Yes I am on that system now for the curious ones.

running XP Pro

thanks

[DoneWithMacs]

I hope this link will help:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...oubleshoot.asp

DWM

[Ridgerunr]

Have you tried the repair option from the XP CD?

[DoneWithMacs]

Boot up Windows using the XP cd and follow the screens until you see the option for using the recovery console. This should allow you to roll back Windows to a working "image", basically like system restore.

DWM

[dunedin]

Hi,
Here`s a few more things to check out.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;Q318027

2. Taskbar and icons disappeared
http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/w...rum/85915.html

3. Boot up into Safe Mode by pressing F8 during the boot process, hopefully you'll be able to access the Start menu from there.

Get your XP CD handy then go to Start>Run and type "sfc /scannow" without the quotes. That replaces any missing or corrupt system files.

Elaine

[bchzd1]

I was trying to avoid reassociating apps. if i repair then i will have to. i was hoping for an easier softer way

[bchzd1]

tried sfc already....sorry should have mentioned that too

[dunedin]

bchzd1,
Have you run a different virus scan and also "Spybot Search and Destroy"?
Try this online scanner

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Here is "Spybot"

http://www.safer-networking.org/inde...&page=download


Elaine

[bchzd1]

yes i have done 1 offline and 2 online virus scans and have rund SB and adaware also, have also run a trojan scanner

[SuperSparks]

You don't need to worry about re-associating the apps if you do a repair install. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP1, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

[bchzd1]

its up and running like normal now..(giving me the same hard time now) Yes its fixed....thanx