No Desktop icons and cannot run any programs

[Guest]

After logging on (xp pro sp1) i get a blue desktop with no icons or start
menu, nothing.
I can only access Task Manager by pressing "alt + ctrl + del". In task
manager there are no programs running. There are 15 processes running, one of
which (inactive process of the system) i am not familiar with and i cannot
terminate it and explorer is not there.

When I try to start a new task, (explorer or regedit for example) I get a
message "This file has no association..... create an association in control
panel".

I have tried running in Safe mode but still i cannot run any executable
programs. I have even tried running the repair utility from the xp
installation disk but nothing there is useful.

Can anyone advise me how to overcome this problem?

Many thanks
Nathan

 

[Taurarian Constellation]

Hi, seems to me you may have picked up a virus. I've included some links to assist
with your problems and also some online virus scanning sites.

Windows® XP File Association Fixes
Copyright 2003 - Doug Knox
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
EXE File Association Fix (Restore default association for EXE files)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318027
Taskbar Is Missing When You Log On to Windows

and/or

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Line 117 – Restore Taskbar and Start Menu

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

or Line #195 "Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar"
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm


Downloadable McAfee AVERT Stinger:
Stinger: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a
substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist
administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes
next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally
signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.



Perhaps an online security/virus check
Symantec
http://security.norton.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym
Trend Micro House Call:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Panda ActiveScan;
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
McAfee FreeScan:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
Kaspersky Labs On-line Virus Checker:
http://www.kaspersky.com/remoteviruschk.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the information and i will try them, but first I must ask, How do
I run these fixes? My machine will not run any programs. I tried running the
"xp_fileassoc.bat" from http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm but that
says it is not a 32bit file and aborts. Any ideas ?

 

[Taurarian Constellation]

You need the exe one
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/fileassoc/xp_exe_fix.zip

The files listed here are all ZIP files, which contain a REG (Registry) file.
Download the ZIP and open it. Extract the REG file to your hard disk and double
click it. Answer yes to the import prompt. REG files can be viewed in Notepad.
Each of the REG files contains the default settings for the file extension indicated.
For the ZIP file fix, the download is a REG file, since ZIP's aren't working anyway!

You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q310585/

 

[Guest]

Taurarian again i must thank you for your help and advice, but i am still a
little confused to say the least.

Correct me if i am wrong ( and i normally am), but given that i cannot run
ANY application (no exe, no com, no bat) how do I install this reg file. My
experience with xp is limited, but i assume the reg file uses an executable
to install into the registry....... I really need some help here.

Thanks again

 

[Guest]

Download the zip file, inside the zip file is a .reg file, Double clicking
the reg file should restore the exe association and allow you to continue
fixing your system.