Boots up, but no taskbar or desktop 1

[samsonx]

My sister's brought her laptop to me with a few problems. It seems to boot up okay, however once Windows has loaded, there is no taskbar nor desktop.

Fortunately, I can CTRL+ALT+DELETE and execute explorer and open windows explorer. I am going to install a AVG antivirus to run a virus scan, run a trojan scan, run Adaware, and clean up all the temp, cookies, internet files, etc, as well as run a scandisk.

Does this seem like the appropriate course of action? Also, any ideas what could have caused this?

Thanks All

 

[AP81]

Sounds like explorer isn't getting loaded at startup. Try creating another user profile. I remember that doing this fixed a similar problem.

 

[srav]

IF YOU DO A SYSTEM RESTORE FROM SYSTEM TOOLS (ACCESSORIES) SET THE DATE THAT YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO AND IT SHOULD SORT IT OUT

 

[the1bigboy]

Is explorer checked in msconfig

 

[xproforme]

The anti virurs install is absolutely a good idea, and should have been installed a long time ago. Install a firewall as well as I've noticed that my system routinely receives literally dozens of potential ataacks daily. Lack of A-V software more than likely will help, but remember that the system was potentially exposed already and likely has negatively affected system files already infected. Before you install the new protective software try a system restore to a point "clearly" before your sister actually started to have problems. Once you get the system back to normal again; manually set a restore point yourself as XP does not always set a "system check point." Good luck and post again so that we might all learn something as well. L Pena in West Texas.

 

[Moonrsr]

What happens when you Start\Run\.\press enter?

Yes, thats a 'period'.

Does the desktop show up?

 

[bcastner]

Moonsr,

A little hard to do without a taskbar, no?

 

[Moonrsr]

OOps, sorry, I think that will only work to bring the Desktop back if you still have Explorer running from the Start Button...

 

[bcastner]

samsonx,

See this thread, it is a little long but contains just about every remedy known to this Forum, I think: thread779-613953

 

[samsonx]

Thanks all (esp bcaster). Geoshell will be a last resort.

When I get home from work I will have another crack at it.
I'll keep you all posted.

the1bigboy, where do you find explorer in msconfig? I never thought it was there...

 

[bcastner]

Download the StartupList program mentioned in the thread and post the results here. You can also get a listing from HiJackThis! also mentioned, or here is the link again. You really should run HijackThis! in any case:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/#removal

 

[the1bigboy]

hi, in the run command type 'msconfig' and make Normal startup enabled, this should make explorer start if not.....
i dont have a ducking clue mate...