Windows Explorer keeps restarting, desktop disappears

[Dave the Wave]

I'm running windowsXP SP2. (I've not installed SP3 because of problems
with the install process.)
A few days ago I noticed my desktop icons would disappear, reappear,
then disappear again....etc. After several reappearances, the desktop
stoppped reappearing and all I was left with was my background image.
(no icons, start button, or task bar)

I open up Windows task manager and noticed the "explorer" process
wasn't running. I clicked on the "New Task" button in the task
manager, navigated to Windows directory and clicked on "explorer.exe".
The whole desktop appear, disappear, reappear, ...etc. started. I
watched the "Processes" window in the task bar and noticed that the
"explorer" process would show up and begin consuming memory and CPU
resources. The amount of memory would conitnue to increase until the
"explorer" process stopped being listed in the processes window. The
desktop icons would dissappear at the same time.

I run ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm Pro with Firewall/AntiVirus/AntiSpyware
activated. I also use RegCure and TuneUp Utilities for maintaining my
registry and hard drives.

I've done several virus scans, but haven't turned up anything
significant. (Mostly tracking cookies.) I've run both registry
cleaners/repairers, but to no avail.

I tried to copy explorer.exe from another computer. Strangely enough,
I could rename and even delete the existing "explorer.exe" file, but
windows would'nt let me paste the other "explorer.exe" file saying
that "explorer.exe" already existed. It was as if as soon as I renamed
the existing file a program created a replacement. (This is only a
guess on my part.)

Note: I am only able to navigate my hard drives using the "Browse"
button the appears when trying to start a new task. I am not able to
open any explorer windows.

Please help! THANKS.

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

I'm running windowsXP SP2. (I've not installed SP3 because of problems

with the install process.)
A few days ago I noticed my desktop icons would disappear, reappear,
then disappear again....etc. After several reappearances, the desktop
stoppped reappearing and all I was left with was my background image.
(no icons, start button, or task bar)

I open up Windows task manager and noticed the "explorer" process
wasn't running. I clicked on the "New Task" button in the task
manager, navigated to Windows directory and clicked on "explorer.exe".
The whole desktop appear, disappear, reappear, ...etc. started. I
watched the "Processes" window in the task bar and noticed that the
"explorer" process would show up and begin consuming memory and CPU
resources. The amount of memory would conitnue to increase until the
"explorer" process stopped being listed in the processes window. The
desktop icons would dissappear at the same time.

I run ZoneLabs ZoneAlarm Pro with Firewall/AntiVirus/AntiSpyware
activated. I also use RegCure and TuneUp Utilities for maintaining my
registry and hard drives.

I've done several virus scans, but haven't turned up anything
significant. (Mostly tracking cookies.) I've run both registry
cleaners/repairers, but to no avail.

I tried to copy explorer.exe from another computer. Strangely enough,
I could rename and even delete the existing "explorer.exe" file, but
windows would'nt let me paste the other "explorer.exe" file saying
that "explorer.exe" already existed. It was as if as soon as I renamed
the existing file a program created a replacement. (This is only a
guess on my part.)

Note: I am only able to navigate my hard drives using the "Browse"
button the appears when trying to start a new task. I am not able to
open any explorer windows.

You can always install SP3, using the full installer, in Safe Mode
with no issues.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Randem]

You can try this - http://www.randem.com/virusproblems.html


--
Randem Systems
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
http://www.rndem.com/installerproblems.html
http://www.randem.com/vistainstalls.html
http://www.financialtrainingservices.org

 

[Kelly]

Just a tip: File/New Task (run) type: explorer.exe
No need to navigate to....

I also have a small vbs script on line 319 that you can save either via QL
or your desktop: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

You can also use the Windows Logo key and the letter R for the run box.

For the fix: It sounds as though your explorer.exe has been hijacked.

Run MalwareBytes, SuperAnti and HJT from line 393:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Once done, go to Start/Run/CMD and type in: SFC /Scannow

Good luck and keep us posted.
--

All the Best and Happy Turkey Day,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

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

 

[Kelly]

You can always install SP3, using the full installer, in Safe Mode

with no issues.

Stay away from that install for now.


--

All the Best and Happy Turkey Day,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

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