My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged on,
everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons and
options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like a
brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even recogonize
any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
delete.

After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to connect
to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my files
are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
through email.

I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt, and
delete page although from log in it looks normal.

It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are all
hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it appears
that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
believe that my computer is wiped clean.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.

Please state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) when posting to
this newsgroup.

Does the behavior persist after rebooting into Safe Mode or selecting the
"Last known good" optioin?

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)?

Has a Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this machine
(e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002


Don wrote:
> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged on,
> everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons
> and
> options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like
> a
> brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even
> recogonize
> any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
> delete.
>
> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
> connect
> to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my
> files
> are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
> through email.
>
> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt,
> and
> delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>
> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are all
> hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it appears
> that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
> believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>
> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.

I am using XP.
Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also giving me
a blank screen.
I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it had ran
an update lately.

I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and anti
virus software re installed on it.

I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.

"Don" wrote:

> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged on,
> everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons and
> options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like a
> brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even recogonize
> any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
> delete.
>
> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to connect
> to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my files
> are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
> through email.
>
> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt, and
> delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>
> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are all
> hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it appears
> that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
> believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>
> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.

Don, it appears that this last post of yours was a response to PA Bear.
To avoid confusion, it is better to reply to his post rather than to
yours.

Do you recall what you did right before this problem started? What is
the make and model of this PC? Do you have a Windows XP installation CD?
Is your data backed up?

Depending on your comfort level and amount of expertise, you may wind up
needing to consult that professional again. However, if you want to give
it a crack, the very first thing to do is to make sure your data is all
backed up. The easiest way to do this is boot off a rescue CD (like
Knoppix) while an external hard drive is hooked up to your PC. Once this
is done, you need to scan for viruses and other malware. You may even
need to perform what is known as a manual System Restore.

If you would like to give it a crack, let me know what you need help
with, and I'll provide instructions and Web links.


Don wrote:
> I am using XP.
> Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also
> giving me a blank screen.
> I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it
> had ran an update lately.
>
> I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and
> anti virus software re installed on it.
>
> I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.
>
> "Don" wrote:
>
>> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I
>> logged on, everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of
>> my desktop icons and options to do anything were completly gone .
>> It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like a brand new computer ready to be
>> formatted. It appears not to even recogonize any of the drives
>> either. The only option I have is control, alt , and delete.
>>
>> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
>> connect to the internet through a link that was there for support.
>> I know my files are still on the computer because I was able to see
>> them via attachment through email.
>> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control,
>> alt, and delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>>
>> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions
>> are all hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on
>> and it appears that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is
>> set up to make me believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>>
>> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this
>> screen.

I am using XP.
Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also giving me
a blank screen.
I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it had ran
an update lately.

I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and anti
virus software re installed on it.

I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Please state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) when posting to
> this newsgroup.
>
> Does the behavior persist after rebooting into Safe Mode or selecting the
> "Last known good" optioin?
>
> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
> What third-party firewall (if any)?
>
> Has a Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this machine
> (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>
>
> Don wrote:
> > My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged on,
> > everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons
> > and
> > options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like
> > a
> > brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even
> > recogonize
> > any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
> > delete.
> >
> > After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
> > connect
> > to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my
> > files
> > are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
> > through email.
> >
> > I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt,
> > and
> > delete page although from log in it looks normal.
> >
> > It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are all
> > hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it appears
> > that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
> > believe that my computer is wiped clean.
> >
> > Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.
>
>

Hey Daave,

Thanks for responding. Right before my computer from a friend of mine had
just sent me an instant message. I was also plugging in a flash drive into
the usb when the computer froze on me.

I do have an xp window install cd but my computer is totally blank and will
not read the drives.

No, my data is not back up. I have tried to do a restore but have had no
success. I am willing to give it a shot.

"Daave" wrote:

> Don, it appears that this last post of yours was a response to PA Bear.
> To avoid confusion, it is better to reply to his post rather than to
> yours.
>
> Do you recall what you did right before this problem started? What is
> the make and model of this PC? Do you have a Windows XP installation CD?
> Is your data backed up?
>
> Depending on your comfort level and amount of expertise, you may wind up
> needing to consult that professional again. However, if you want to give
> it a crack, the very first thing to do is to make sure your data is all
> backed up. The easiest way to do this is boot off a rescue CD (like
> Knoppix) while an external hard drive is hooked up to your PC. Once this
> is done, you need to scan for viruses and other malware. You may even
> need to perform what is known as a manual System Restore.
>
> If you would like to give it a crack, let me know what you need help
> with, and I'll provide instructions and Web links.
>
>
> Don wrote:
> > I am using XP.
> > Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also
> > giving me a blank screen.
> > I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it
> > had ran an update lately.
> >
> > I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and
> > anti virus software re installed on it.
> >
> > I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.
> >
> > "Don" wrote:
> >
> >> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I
> >> logged on, everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of
> >> my desktop icons and options to do anything were completly gone .
> >> It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like a brand new computer ready to be
> >> formatted. It appears not to even recogonize any of the drives
> >> either. The only option I have is control, alt , and delete.
> >>
> >> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
> >> connect to the internet through a link that was there for support.
> >> I know my files are still on the computer because I was able to see
> >> them via attachment through email.
> >> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control,
> >> alt, and delete page although from log in it looks normal.
> >>
> >> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions
> >> are all hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on
> >> and it appears that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is
> >> set up to make me believe that my computer is wiped clean.
> >>
> >> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this
> >> screen.
>
>
>

"XP" is not your full Windows version.

Is your NAV subscription current or not?

> I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.

S*PERAntiSpyware is not an anti-virus application.

"super antivirus" is a rogue application and could be causing your problems!
cf. http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/super-antivirus.com

Avoid Rogue Security Software!
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...ses/rogue.mspx

What should you do now? Backup your personal data, then do a format & clean
install of Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place
upgrade) will NOT fix this!

cf. http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps

After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a network and before using a USB key that
isn't brand-new or hasn't been freshly formatted:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...5afa8ed33e121c

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b

Also see:

Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...r/default.mspx

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...e/prevent.mspx

Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...s/prevent.mspx
--
~PA Bear


Don wrote:
> I am using XP.
> Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also giving me
> a blank screen.
> I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it had
> ran
> an update lately.
>
> I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and anti
> virus software re installed on it.
>
> I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.
>
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> Please state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3) when posting to
>> this newsgroup.
>>
>> Does the behavior persist after rebooting into Safe Mode or selecting the
>> "Last known good" optioin?
>>
>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
>> subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
>> Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?
>>
>> Has a Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this machine
>> (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought it)?
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>>
>>
>> Don wrote:
>>> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged
>>> on,
>>> everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons
>>> and
>>> options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK)
>>> like
>>> a
>>> brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even
>>> recogonize
>>> any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
>>> delete.
>>>
>>> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
>>> connect
>>> to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my
>>> files
>>> are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
>>> through email.
>>>
>>> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt,
>>> and
>>> delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>>>
>>> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are
>>> all
>>> hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it
>>> appears
>>> that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
>>> believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>>>
>>> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.

Neither System Restore nor a Repair Install will fix this, Don.

Don wrote:
> Hey Daave,
>
> Thanks for responding. Right before my computer from a friend of mine had
> just sent me an instant message. I was also plugging in a flash drive
> into
> the usb when the computer froze on me.
>
> I do have an xp window install cd but my computer is totally blank and
> will
> not read the drives.
>
> No, my data is not back up. I have tried to do a restore but have had no
> success. I am willing to give it a shot.
>
> "Daave" wrote:
>
>> Don, it appears that this last post of yours was a response to PA Bear.
>> To avoid confusion, it is better to reply to his post rather than to
>> yours.
>>
>> Do you recall what you did right before this problem started? What is
>> the make and model of this PC? Do you have a Windows XP installation CD?
>> Is your data backed up?
>>
>> Depending on your comfort level and amount of expertise, you may wind up
>> needing to consult that professional again. However, if you want to give
>> it a crack, the very first thing to do is to make sure your data is all
>> backed up. The easiest way to do this is boot off a rescue CD (like
>> Knoppix) while an external hard drive is hooked up to your PC. Once this
>> is done, you need to scan for viruses and other malware. You may even
>> need to perform what is known as a manual System Restore.
>>
>> If you would like to give it a crack, let me know what you need help
>> with, and I'll provide instructions and Web links.
>>
>>
>> Don wrote:
>>> I am using XP.
>>> Safe mode/Last known good option is not working for me. Its also
>>> giving me a blank screen.
>>> I also have Norton Antivirus 2009 on my computer but not sure if it
>>> had ran an update lately.
>>>
>>> I had this computer professionally wiped clean about 6 months ago and
>>> anti virus software re installed on it.
>>>
>>> I did have a free version of super antivirus software installed.
>>>
>>> "Don" wrote:
>>>
>>>> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I
>>>> logged on, everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of
>>>> my desktop icons and options to do anything were completly gone .
>>>> It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like a brand new computer ready to be
>>>> formatted. It appears not to even recogonize any of the drives
>>>> either. The only option I have is control, alt , and delete.
>>>>
>>>> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
>>>> connect to the internet through a link that was there for support.
>>>> I know my files are still on the computer because I was able to see
>>>> them via attachment through email.
>>>> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control,
>>>> alt, and delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>>>>
>>>> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions
>>>> are all hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on
>>>> and it appears that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is
>>>> set up to make me believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this
>>>> screen.

This generally has to do with display drivers. If you have recently done so
or ran the MS updates to do so, try a rollback via the Device Manager. If
this is not the case, use Ctrl/Alt/Delete and end process on Explorer.exe if
it is listed and either way, then go to File/New Task (Run) and type in:
Explorer.exe.

Explorer.exe repeatedly quits unexpectedly in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883791

If still nothing:

Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality (Line 164)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the VBS Files: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you
may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double click the vbs
file. You will be prompted when the script is done.

NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this
is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These
scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry.

Added info and help:

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm


--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm


"Don" <Don @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C18080E9-0B05-4A99-BB3A-(E-Mail Removed)...
> My computer froze up and I restarted it. When it rebooted and I logged on,
> everything was missing except for my wallpaper. All of my desktop icons
> and
> options to do anything were completly gone . It (APPEARED TO LOOK) like
> a
> brand new computer ready to be formatted. It appears not to even
> recogonize
> any of the drives either. The only option I have is control, alt , and
> delete.
>
> After using that feature and pressing the help option, I was able to
> connect
> to the internet through a link that was there for support. I know my
> files
> are still on the computer because I was able to see them via attachment
> through email.
>
> I noticed that my administrator info is different from the control, alt,
> and
> delete page although from log in it looks normal.
>
> It all comes down to the fact that some how my files and functions are all
> hidden including the start button. Although Im logging on and it appears
> that Im the only administrator, it seems like mine is set up to make me
> believe that my computer is wiped clean.
>
> Does anyone have any idea what is going on? How do I unlock this screen.