Windows XP Blank Desktop

  • Thread starter Thread starter AMP Help
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AMP Help

I have several users/PCs that get a blank desktop when
logging on our Novell 5.1 network. It seems only to be a
problem with Windows XP on several Dell Optiplex GX50
Celeron PCs - all within a year old. I have tried
deleting local user profiles, restore points, rebuilding
the PC, etc., but the problem keeps coming back
intermittently. I have found a workaround - at the blank
desktop, the user can do a CTRL-ALT-DEL and run a new
task called Explorer.exe which fully brings up the
desktop. Does this workaround give any clues to the
problem? Either way, I am looking for a permanent fix
which does not involve rebuilding the PC every time -
which does not last for long as a long term solution
anyway. Please help if you can. Thanks.
 
"AMP Help" said in news:[email protected]:
I have several users/PCs that get a blank desktop when
logging on our Novell 5.1 network. It seems only to be a
problem with Windows XP on several Dell Optiplex GX50
Celeron PCs - all within a year old. I have tried
deleting local user profiles, restore points, rebuilding
the PC, etc., but the problem keeps coming back
intermittently. I have found a workaround - at the blank
desktop, the user can do a CTRL-ALT-DEL and run a new
task called Explorer.exe which fully brings up the
desktop. Does this workaround give any clues to the
problem? Either way, I am looking for a permanent fix
which does not involve rebuilding the PC every time -
which does not last for long as a long term solution
anyway. Please help if you can. Thanks.
Click to expand...

In the registry under the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

What value do you have for the "Shell" data item? Mine is:

Shell="Explorer.exe"

Explorer.exe is used for the Windows desktop GUI. That's why you'll see a
copy of it when you logon.

Shells Other Than Explorer.exe Replaced on Installation or Upgrade
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=228309
 
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