explorer.exe problems

[Austin]

I have recently encountered a problem with my Dell laptop running XP. The
first thing I noticed was that my desktop background disappeared, replaced by
a plain blue screen. Then after a while explorer.exe would shut down right
after I logged in. Now when I use Task Manager to boot explorer.exe it boots
up and shuts down over and over. Anyone know the problem here? I suspect some
kind of virus but I have no idea where to begin. Thanks.

 

[Ron Badour]

See if you can boot in safe mode--rapidly tap the F8 key when the PC begins
to start booting. If the PC boots and explorer remains running, run full
scans with up to date anti virus and malware (SpyBot for example) programs.
If this does not help it to run properly in normal mode, try this
troubleshooting approach:

How to perform advanced clean-boot troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316434

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience