Unable to display desktop icons after booting

[Guest]

After I boot, I can't see any desktop icons. I get the desktop image, but no
icons or toolbar at the bottom of the screen. It looks like it just stops in
the middle of booting, but it doesn't matter how long I wait- they never come
up. I go to task manager and no applications are running so it appears that
the boot is complete. I can start programs through task manager. Help!

 

[Kelly]

Hi Chris,

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

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


--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

In memory of those lost during Katrina &
Prayers and Hope for the remaining displaced.

 

[Guest]

Well, I've got exactly the same problem (I put off installing SP2 as long as
possible because I just knew it wouldn't work). None of these suggestions
seems to make any difference to my system. No desktop items, no task bar, no
explorer - just a wallpaper and task manager.

Malcolm B

 

[Rock]

Hi Chris,

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

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

Good to see you back Kelly!

 

[Kelly]

Thank you, Rock! What a warm smile I am wearing. <w>

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

In memory of those lost during Katrina &
Prayers and Hope for the remaining displaced.

 

[Kelly]

Hard to say without knowing more. Good luck, Malcolm. )

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

In memory of those lost during Katrina &
Prayers and Hope for the remaining displaced.