windows explorer opens at startup

[Jim Madsen]

I have Windows XP Home Edition with SP2/latest critical updates. In the
last week, when I start the computer, Windows Explorer opens full screen
with windows/system32 folder open. How do I stop Explorer from opening
at Startup?

I used Spybot Search & Destroy to look at what startups have been added
since the last time I ran S & D, and I see nothing that would cause this
to happen. Also, I have noticed no other obvious problems on the OS.

TIA-- Jim

 

[Nepatsfan]

(e-mail address removed),

I have Windows XP Home Edition with SP2/latest critical
updates. In the last week, when I start the computer,
Windows Explorer opens full screen with windows/system32
folder open. How do I stop Explorer from opening at Startup?

I used Spybot Search & Destroy to look at what startups have
been added since the last time I ran S & D, and I see
nothing that would cause this to happen. Also, I have
noticed no other obvious problems on the OS.
TIA-- Jim

Take a look at this article:

System32 Folder Opens When Logging on to Windows XP, Windows
2000, or Windows NT 4.0
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=170086

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Please see:

System32 Folder Opens When Logging on to Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=170086

Also, start/run msconfig, and see if there is a line that loads /L:ENG. It
comes from a SoundBlaster Audigy driver, and it can cause this problem as
well. If it exists, use the registry fix from MVP Kelly:

Line 260 on the right:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

It's far easier than mucking about in the registry. The problem can also be
caused by other incorrectly built registry strings. So, if the first two
steps don't help you, could you please export and post the contents of these
keys in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

To do this, start/run regedit, expand the branches to each key (do this one
at a time). Click on the key, then on file/export. Give it any name, then
save to the desktop. Once you have saved both keys, close the registry
editor. Right-click one of the saved files on the desktop, choose edit, it
should open in notepad. Click edit/select all/edit/copy. Open a response to
this post and click in the message text area. Hit ctrl+v to paste the
contents. Repeat for the other saved key, then send the post for
examination.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Jim Madsen]

Thanks Rick--

I checked the registry keys mentioned in the MS article and they looked OK.

But I have Audigy, and in msconfig, there is a line that loads /L:ENG.

So I downloaded MVP Kelly's VBScript and ran it, and rebooted, and the
problem was fixed. After watching Norton complain about the script and
telling it to run it anyway, I realized I probably should have glanced
at what the script said to be on the safe side. I don't understand
script language entirely, but I could probably identify if it was doing
something bad. I did create a system restore point, though

BTW, one of the registry keys I looked at had that /L:ENG in it too.

Thanks again Mr. "Nutcase"

Jim

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Jim,

No problem, glad to have helped. The script warning is normal, note that
Kelly's web site specifically mentions it and explains why you get the
warning:

<paste>

NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this
is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These
scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org