Windows Explorer and Desktop Icon Issues

[Guest]

Ok folks - I pull up windows explorer and click on the Folder tab, and on the
left is nothing but a beige rectangle with an "x" (Close button) in the top
right corner. This isn't what it should be - theres no folder tree of the
drive, desktop etc.

Could somebody please help solve this problem - or assist me in
troubleshooting?

Also, my desktop icons keep repositionning themselves in a vertical fashon
on the left side of the screen, every time the computer is turned on or
restarted.

Auto-Arrange is not enabled, nor is any of the align methods selected. I
don't know why they keep resetting themselves - Please help!

Any assistance is appreciated! - Ma

 

[WinGuy]

Ok folks - I pull up windows explorer and click on the Folder tab, and on the
left is nothing but a beige rectangle with an "x" (Close button) in the top
right corner. This isn't what it should be - theres no folder tree of the
drive, desktop etc.

Could somebody please help solve this problem - or assist me in
troubleshooting?

Also, my desktop icons keep repositionning themselves in a vertical fashon
on the left side of the screen, every time the computer is turned on or
restarted.

Auto-Arrange is not enabled, nor is any of the align methods selected. I
don't know why they keep resetting themselves - Please help!

Any assistance is appreciated! - Ma

This might be (and probably is) due to corrupted system files. Physically
disconnect from the internet.
Find your XP installation CD, put it in the CD drive, wait for the menu and
then CLOSE that menu.

Click Start, then Run, and enter the txt cmd and press the Enter key.

Type these things and press the Enter key:
sfc /purge cache
sfc /scannow (it needs that CD, this will take many minutes and maybe
hours to complete, have patience)
exit

Boot to your CD (if necessary, configure your BIOS to allow it)
Enter the Recovery Console. The password is probably just press the Enter
key, if asked for one.
Type this, and press the Enter key:
chkdsk c: /R (note that 5 tests will be performed and it will take at
least 1/4 hour or more)
exit

If when done, chkdsk only did 3 tests then you need to convert your file
system to NTFS type. It is much more resistant to file corruption.

If this still does not do it then you should boot to the CD again and do an
inplace repair (upgrade, recommended) of XP.

Once all works, make sure at least your built-in XP firewall is turned on
before you physically connect for internet access. Then go check and apply
all updates. Make a system restore point before installing any driver
updates (just in case).