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Ok, I can see the problem. Your explorer.exe in your C:\Windows2 folder has been deleted.
Your OS is using explorer.exe in C:\Windows instead and this folder is not your default installation folder so it seems.
Boot into Safe Mode but do not start Explorer this time. We are going to start Iexplore.exe instead. Open Task Manager and go to Task > New and type iexplore.exe and OK.
When IE opens, click on View > Explorer Bar > Folders and navigate to C:\Windows. Open the folder and copy Explorer.exe (rightclick to copy). Once you have copied it, navigate to C\Windows2, open the folder, rightclick in a blank space and choose Paste.
Close IE and reboot. Does your Desktop load now?
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That did it, Annie ! Looks like we're done :)
That was so simple, I should have seen it long ago. I guess when you're going crackers with a good handful of problems on 3 PCs at home, you just lose your perspective -- and common sense :D
If I could please trouble you with a quick question:
I only recently realized I still haven't installed SP2 for my WinXP Pro. I must admit I'm more than a bit reticent to do so after stories I've heard. What is your comment on doing so -- just the bottom line after weighing the pluses and minuses ? If it will be an extremely significant help in avoiding future problems like what you just helped me get out of, I might install it.
Aside from that, I guess we're done -- THANK YOU!!, Annie, for all your time, trouble and -- especially -- patience :)
Cheers,
- Dave
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That's good news Dave and you are very welcome. :D
Regarding SP2, I wouldnt be without it. I had to install it three times on my PC before I had a satisfactory install but I didnt give up on it (I have a Compaq, need I say more? :D). Numerous security holes have been uncovered since SP1 and plugged in SP2 and later updates. It's a "must have" in my opinion.
I have posted my standard "Prevention" blurb below for you to read when you have a spare minute. :)
Keeping up todate with Windows Critical Updates is a major factor in preventing problems with viruses, hijackers and spyware, more information here Microsoft Security Home Page. Also go here and download and install Spyware Blaster. Adding the MVPS Hosts file will also help block unwanted parasites.
Check IE's security settings. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and make sure that "Install upon Demand" and "Install upon Demand (other)" are not selected.
Now go to Internet Options > Security > Custom and set "Download Signed ActiveX Controls" to Prompt.
"Initialise and script ActiveX controls not marked as Safe" and "Download unsigned ActiveX controls" should be disabled.
Set "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting" and "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" to enable.
Run Ad-Aware or Spybot regularly. NB. It is important to make sure that you go online and install any updates first.
If your OS is Windows XP or Windows Millenium, flush all restore points after cleaning your PC to prevent infected files being restored, see here for more information.
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Annie,
Just one more thing -- I didn't realize until later:
While the explorer.exe fix DID get the desktop and MSIE running again, Windows Explorer is still refusing to 'launch'.
I tried copying and pasting the .EXE file for it from WINDOWS to WINDOWS2, but it still isn't working.
- Dave
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From the Accessories Menu Dave? If so, rightclick on the shortcut and choose Properties. Click on Shortcut, what do you see under Target etc.?
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Annie,
It's all fine now. The Windows Explorer icon in the tray worked fine, but not the one in the start menu.
The Windows Explorer icon in the Start menu was targeted to the hh.exe file, while the working icon in the tray was, of course, targeted to the explorer.exe file. So, I just copied and pasted the CORRECT target string from one to the other and clicked APPLY.
Everything is fixed, but nothing will ever be the same -- I am deleting cookies & history, running av and anti-malware apps etc. very regularly.
Sadly, I was fine for a very, very long time without a worry, and then this all happened to me, it seemed, overnight. I hadn't been working or surfing any differently, so there must have been a sudden barrage of nasties out there when I began "catching" them ...
Thanks again for all the help!
Sincerely,
Dave
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Since Christmas, a whole new batch of very nasty malware has emerged Dave. Like most companies, I would imagine that the Antivirus/AntiSpyware developers took a break at Christmas and New Year and operated with skeleton staff. I think the malware coders took advantage of this and flooded the Internet with their garbage. :(
