Desktop icons and start menu not showing

[Craig]

Under Windows XP for some reason there is no desktop
icons and start menu showing up when I first start my
computer up. Is there a reason for this? Also, is there
a resolution as well to this?

 

[Chris Lanier]

Greetings

Unfortunately, none of use have any idea way this is happening. Here are a
few suggestions on how you can try and fix it.

There is a very good chance this is being caused by a virus.

Reboot Windows XP into Safe Mode
--How to start Windows XP in Safe mode--
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039

1) Goto Start>>Run>>Type "regedit"
2) Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and delete
"Explorer %SYSTEM%\Explorer.exe"
3) Reboot your PC as normal.

If that doesnt work...

Reboot Windows XP into Safe Mode
--How to start Windows XP in Safe mode--
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039

1) Open My Computer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32. Search in the
System32 directory for "explore.exe" or "explorer.exe" If the file exists
delete it.
2) Goto http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and scan your either system for
virus.
3) Reboot your PC.

NOTE: Do NOT delete "explorer.exe" from your C:\Windows directory!

You may try the following if you don't boot into Safe Mode.

1) Press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Goto the Applications Tab
3) Click New Task...
4) Type "C:\Windows\explorer.exe", hit Enter
5) Open My Computer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32. Search in the
System32 directory for "explore.exe" or "explorer.exe" If the file exists
delete it.

NOTE: Do NOT delete "explorer.exe" from your C:\Windows directory!

Also try a virus scan to clean things up.
1) Open Internet Explorer
2) Goto http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and scan your either system for
virus.
3) Reboot your PC and see if you now have a desktop.

----If that doesnt work goto...----
Repair/Customize Desktop, Quick Launch, Taskbar and Notification Area
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

----More Help for No Desktop/No Taskbar----

HOW TO: Start the System Restore Tool from a Command Prompt in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304449

W32.Aplore Removal Information
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/[email protected]

W32.HLLP.Handy Removal Information
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.hllp.handy.html

Taskbar Is Missing When You Log On to Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q318027

Preform a Spyware Scan
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

---If none of the above help i would suggest trying a repair install of
Windows XP.---

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm