Req: help with a comp problem

[AT]

I have an EMachines T3265 running Windows XP Home, and I can only run
programs through the task manager. My desktop icons, menu bar, start menu
etc... don't load...only the wallpaper does. I have already recovered using
the CD's back to factory original, which worked for about an hour, but went
back to same problem. Any suggestions as to where to start will be
appreciated. TIA

 

[Paul Murphy]

I have an EMachines T3265 running Windows XP Home, and I can only run
programs through the task manager. My desktop icons, menu bar, start menu
etc... don't load...only the wallpaper does. I have already recovered
using
the CD's back to factory original, which worked for about an hour, but
went
back to same problem. Any suggestions as to where to start will be
appreciated. TIA

The best bet is to restore it again back to a factory state (after backing
up any data first) and then note carefully what it is that makes it desktop
iconless. Do they just disappear on their own accord after about an hour or
is there something that you do which brings this on. Do you have up to date
antivirus software on the machine - if not, make sure you get this (there
are free versions out there if you don't want to have to buy AV Software).

Looking on the grand scheme of things, when did this problem start
occurring - had you done any upgrades/software installs etc or was it just
one day out of the blue? Do you have Windows XPs Automatic Updates enabled
and does the problem still occur if you don't connect to the internet after
restoring it?

Paul

 

[AT]

The best bet is to restore it again back to a factory state (after
backing up any data first) and then note carefully what it is that
makes it desktop iconless. Do they just disappear on their own accord
after about an hour or is there something that you do which brings
this on. Do you have up to date antivirus software on the machine - if
not, make sure you get this (there are free versions out there if you
don't want to have to buy AV Software).

Looking on the grand scheme of things, when did this problem start
occurring - had you done any upgrades/software installs etc or was it
just one day out of the blue? Do you have Windows XPs Automatic
Updates enabled and does the problem still occur if you don't connect
to the internet after restoring it?

Paul

Paul, thank you for your response. I have Norton, Adaware and Spybot
running. I have not tried restoring without internet yet, and the
problem started when switching users from the "Start Menu", "Log-off/
Switch User" option. No new installs or upgrades and I don't believe
automatic updates is enabled. Thanks for the suggestions. I will try, as
I have not been able to contact the manufacturers support line. Thanks
again

Dave

 

[Paul Murphy]

Paul, thank you for your response. I have Norton, Adaware and Spybot
running. I have not tried restoring without internet yet, and the
problem started when switching users from the "Start Menu", "Log-off/
Switch User" option. No new installs or upgrades and I don't believe
automatic updates is enabled. Thanks for the suggestions. I will try, as
I have not been able to contact the manufacturers support line. Thanks
again

Dave

If the problem occurs after switching users could it be because the new user
has the newer style start menu compared to the classic one - you could try
selecting Classic Start Menu under the task bar & start menu properties
(right click on the task bar & select properties). Does this get a few more
icons on the desktop?

Paul

 

[AT]

If the problem occurs after switching users could it be because the
new user has the newer style start menu compared to the classic one -
you could try selecting Classic Start Menu under the task bar & start
menu properties (right click on the task bar & select properties).
Does this get a few more icons on the desktop?

Paul

Paul, I don't have a task bar or a start menu, just a wallpaper and a
cursor, right-clicking on the desktop does nothing either???

Dave

 

[Paul Murphy]

Paul, I don't have a task bar or a start menu, just a wallpaper and a
cursor, right-clicking on the desktop does nothing either???

Dave

My apologies, you did mention this in your first post. For some reason I was
thinking it was just desktop iconless. It'll be back to plan A then - i.e. a
full restore to factory state and monitor whilst not on the internet to see
what brings the problem on. I suggest you do this before installing any
other software e.g. Norton, Adaware and Spybot - since you wont be connected
externally whilst testing, these wont be needed. Only once you're sure a
bare installation runs ok should you start adding software, testing again
for a return of the problem after each installation.

Paul