If explorer.exe is not there then insert your Windows CD and,
using the Task Manager, run the System File Checker utility
with this command: sfc /scannow
Here are other things to check:
DESKTOP ICONS AND THE TASKBAR FAIL TO LOAD AT STARTUP
This problem is most likely fixed by using one of these 3 repairs:
(1) RESTORE A MISSING "USERINIT" REGISTRY VALUE
1. Copy below between the lines:
----------copy inside only----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
----------copy inside only----------
2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg).
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.
(2) DELETE AN INCORRECT "EXPLORER.EXE" ENTRY IN THE REGISTRY
1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
2. Go to this key:
[HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.
4. Restart.
(3) RESTORE A MISSING "EXPLORER.EXE" ENTRY IN THE REGISTRY
1. Copy below between the lines:
----------copy inside only----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"Shell"="explorer.exe"
----------copy inside only----------
2. Paste into Notepad and Save-As WinLogon.reg
(or any name + .reg).
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.
ju.c
Galen:
Thanks. When I try to run 'explorer.exe' teh get the message that windows
cannot find 'explorer.exe'. Then I get to try to go to a restore point but
there are no restore points created.
Any other ideas.
Bob