Desktop Not Loading Correctly

[Chris Guimbellot]

Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start
it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no
issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop background
image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If
I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any program by
selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc. Interestingly
enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a couple
of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of
time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I
would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to provide any further
clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[ju.c]

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c

 

[R. McCarty]

Does a Safe Mode boot work correctly ? It's possible that your
issue is a Profile specific one, not Windows wide. You may have
to create a new user and port the existing data to the new account.

No single AV product gives you 100% coverage. You should do
an occasional on-line scan from other vendors. Also the types of
threats extend beyond Viruses & Trojans. You need a Malware
real-time protection agent, something like Windows Defender. The
approach you want is to keep stuff off the computer not just detect
& remove it after it gets on. (SpyBot, AdAware).

 

[Chris Guimbellot]

ju.c

I wanted to let you know that although the issue was not the missing
userinit value, it appears that the Image File Execution fix worked. As soon
as i deleted that key, it popped up the desktop and start menu, etc. I have
not fully verified as it started automatically downloading all of the
patches (I guess because i ran that repair function) so I will allow it to
install all of those then reboot and see what happens. I will be sure to let
you know as soon as i do. Thanks,

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c

Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program
can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[Chris Guimbellot]

It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your
help. You saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c

Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program
can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[Chris Guimbellot]

Sorry. Forgot to mention that. It was early when I sent the original
message. Safe mode did not work for either that user's account or the
Administrator account. It was the same issue.

Also, I will look into Windows Defender and a more proactive approach. I
appreciate the thought.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Error on right click Icons/files]

I have a similar problem - After I had installed a new hardisk with the XP OS
on it. When I goback and boot up from my original hardisk with XP on it. I
can login into the account but only the desktop background image loads up,
and none of the desktop icons, start bar or system tray. It will be the same
problems on all the others users account

If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and to to Task Manager, I can run any programs.

Tryied to added the userinit but it does't work. Anyone have any solution?

Thanks

Derek

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c

Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes in
where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the desktop
icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run
any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc. Interestingly
enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but the
one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run a
System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and I
really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any help
on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[ju.c]

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c

It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c

Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[I.M. Fedup]

Swing and a miss for me. Fix #1 and #2 were both no go's. There was nothing
wrong in the registry. I have 2 profiles on the computer. My wifes logs in
and the computer says it can't find her profile then loads a temp profile. Me
I have a blank screen after I log in. I have to run everything from the
task manager. Ran virus scan, Scannow, CHKDSK, Repair the installation but it
didn't complete - don't know why. Now I am frustrated.

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c

It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c


Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[ju.c]

I've made a new help file, try again:


Desktop Icons and the Taskbar Fail to Load at Startup

This problem may be fixed by using one of these 4 repairs.


(1) Restore a Missing "userinit" Registry Value:

1. Copy below and paste into Notepad:

----------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. 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:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\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 and paste into Notepad:

----------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. Save-As WinLogon.reg (or any name + .reg).
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.


(4) Exlorer.exe is Missing:

If explorer.exe is not in C:\WINDOWS\ then insert your Windows CD and,
using the 'Task Manager' (File -> New Task), run the 'System File Checker'
utility with this command: sfc /scannow

If the 'System File Checker' didn't replace it, boot to the Recovery Console
with the Windows CD and copy explorer.exe manually:

1. Insert the Windows CD and restart.
2. When setup begins, choose the "Repair or Recover" option by pressing "R".
3. Once at the command prompt, enter:
expand D:\i386 /F:EXPLORER.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /y
(D: is the CD drive letter, C: is the Windows partition, change if necessary
4. To exit the Recovery Console, type: exit.

If the desktop still does not load then, from within the Task Manager, run a new
task to open the Registry Editor:
regedit.exe
and check the registry data from above, adding as necessary if it is missing or
incorrect.


ju.c

Swing and a miss for me. Fix #1 and #2 were both no go's. There was nothing
wrong in the registry. I have 2 profiles on the computer. My wifes logs in
and the computer says it can't find her profile then loads a temp profile. Me
I have a blank screen after I log in. I have to run everything from the
task manager. Ran virus scan, Scannow, CHKDSK, Repair the installation but it
didn't complete - don't know why. Now I am frustrated.

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c

It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c


Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[I.M. Fedup]

Potential fix #3 was correct already in the registry. Completed fix #4. Kind
of working better. When I run the explorer from the task manager it takes
about 2 mins to get the task bar to pop up but when I look into "my computer"
the screen is blank and the task manager says the process is not responding.
I can still navigate to my drives via the cmd prompt or through internet
explorer. Vierd, very vierd

I've made a new help file, try again:


Desktop Icons and the Taskbar Fail to Load at Startup

This problem may be fixed by using one of these 4 repairs.


(1) Restore a Missing "userinit" Registry Value:

1. Copy below and paste into Notepad:

----------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. 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:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\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 and paste into Notepad:

----------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. Save-As WinLogon.reg (or any name + .reg).
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.


(4) Exlorer.exe is Missing:

If explorer.exe is not in C:\WINDOWS\ then insert your Windows CD and,
using the 'Task Manager' (File -> New Task), run the 'System File Checker'
utility with this command: sfc /scannow

If the 'System File Checker' didn't replace it, boot to the Recovery Console
with the Windows CD and copy explorer.exe manually:

1. Insert the Windows CD and restart.
2. When setup begins, choose the "Repair or Recover" option by pressing "R".
3. Once at the command prompt, enter:
expand D:\i386 /F:EXPLORER.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /y
(D: is the CD drive letter, C: is the Windows partition, change if necessary
4. To exit the Recovery Console, type: exit.

If the desktop still does not load then, from within the Task Manager, run a new
task to open the Registry Editor:
regedit.exe
and check the registry data from above, adding as necessary if it is missing or
incorrect.


ju.c

Swing and a miss for me. Fix #1 and #2 were both no go's. There was nothing
wrong in the registry. I have 2 profiles on the computer. My wifes logs in
and the computer says it can't find her profile then loads a temp profile. Me
I have a blank screen after I log in. I have to run everything from the
task manager. Ran virus scan, Scannow, CHKDSK, Repair the installation but it
didn't complete - don't know why. Now I am frustrated.

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c


It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c


Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris

 

[ju.c]

I'm sorry to hear you still have problems.

Try running the 'System File Checker' utility again:

Insert the Windows CD, exit from the popup window, then open the
Run box and enter: sfc /scannow

If that doesn't work then I would install SP3, even if already installed,
using the downloaded installer.

Finally, if that too failed, copy all data you want to save and re-install
Windows.

Please post your progress here, good luck!


ju.c

Potential fix #3 was correct already in the registry. Completed fix #4. Kind
of working better. When I run the explorer from the task manager it takes
about 2 mins to get the task bar to pop up but when I look into "my computer"
the screen is blank and the task manager says the process is not responding.
I can still navigate to my drives via the cmd prompt or through internet
explorer. Vierd, very vierd

I've made a new help file, try again:


Desktop Icons and the Taskbar Fail to Load at Startup

This problem may be fixed by using one of these 4 repairs.


(1) Restore a Missing "userinit" Registry Value:

1. Copy below and paste into Notepad:

----------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. 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:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\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 and paste into Notepad:

----------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. Save-As WinLogon.reg (or any name + .reg).
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.


(4) Exlorer.exe is Missing:

If explorer.exe is not in C:\WINDOWS\ then insert your Windows CD and,
using the 'Task Manager' (File -> New Task), run the 'System File Checker'
utility with this command: sfc /scannow

If the 'System File Checker' didn't replace it, boot to the Recovery Console
with the Windows CD and copy explorer.exe manually:

1. Insert the Windows CD and restart.
2. When setup begins, choose the "Repair or Recover" option by pressing "R".
3. Once at the command prompt, enter:
expand D:\i386 /F:EXPLORER.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /y
(D: is the CD drive letter, C: is the Windows partition, change if necessary
4. To exit the Recovery Console, type: exit.

If the desktop still does not load then, from within the Task Manager, run a new
task to open the Registry Editor:
regedit.exe
and check the registry data from above, adding as necessary if it is missing or
incorrect.


ju.c

Swing and a miss for me. Fix #1 and #2 were both no go's. There was nothing
wrong in the registry. I have 2 profiles on the computer. My wifes logs in
and the computer says it can't find her profile then loads a temp profile. Me
I have a blank screen after I log in. I have to run everything from the
task manager. Ran virus scan, Scannow, CHKDSK, Repair the installation but it
didn't complete - don't know why. Now I am frustrated.

:

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c


It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit 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) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

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.


ju.c


Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.

Thanks.

Chris