Desktop does not show for a few minutes after startup.

[rhox]

Everytime I reboot my PC the desktop does not show. I know explorer
starts, and I can hit ctrl+alt+del and it brings me to the "Windows
Security" panel that lets me open the task manager. I can see
explorer.exe as an active process, but the desktop (icons, shortcuts,
and taskbar) fail to show for a bit (for minutes; seemingly it speeds up
if I try to open a new task and browse through the HD, although I am
unsure if that really speeds the process up or just gives me something
to do while I wait). This hasn't always been the case and I am unsure
why it would do that. Hopefully someone may have a soltion. Checked PC
with eset nod32, lavasoft ad-awarese personal, and spybot s&d. If system
specs are required let me know.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Is your desktop devoid of icons altogether?
Right-click the Desktop, slect "ARRANGE ICONS BY", then click SHOW DESKTOP
ICONS, if it is not already Checked.

Does your taskbar show up at all, eventually? Do you see the system notification area being populated with startup apps when Windows is finishing its startup?

Malware/scumware use a variety of ways to hide themselves.
One useful tool to have is Silentrunners at http://www.silentrunners.org

Here are 2 tools from SysInternals that may help you get an insight on what's running.
Autoruns (checks & shows what's set to auto-load at Windows startup)
http://www.sysinternals.com/nt­w2k/freeware/autoruns.shtml

Process Explorer http://www.sysinternals.com/nt­w2k/freeware/procexp.shtml

 

[rhox]

Eventually, yes my taskbar and icons show up. My desktop does have some
icons. Yes I see my system tray start and I see what starts(only my
nod32 anti-virus, my network notification and volume bar). With
taskmanager all I see are the processes that have always started up.

I tried those programs you suggested, however I am unsure as to what to
look for that would be malicious. Any suggestions for things that should
not be there?

[_rhoxthebeast][_at][_yahoo][_dot][_com]