I can't access my desktop.

[Azndude2190]

I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2 and the screen just goes pitch black with only the pointer showing. I can however access the Task Manager via CTRL+ALT+DEL.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Please try to explain the problem in more detail.

-Is the desktop black after rebooting?
-Have you checked the windows error log?
-Have you made any recent changes to the computer?
-Is the problem triggered by exiting a game or another type of app?
-Are your drivers update?

 

[Chapbass]

Windows vista was quite known for this. I had this issue TONS of times when I was working consumer level support. The problem with it is that there are just as many possible resolutions to the problem. Usually seemed to do with system files getting corrupt as well as virus related issues. Granted, its been a few years so my memory may be fading.


see: http://www.google.com/search?q=wind...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

 

[Azndude2190]

Please try to explain the problem in more detail.

-Is the desktop black after rebooting?
-Have you checked the windows error log?
-Have you made any recent changes to the computer?
-Is the problem triggered by exiting a game or another type of app?
-Are your drivers update?

-Yes I've restarted the computer many times and the same thing happens again. It's just a black screen.No Start Menu, taskbar, desktop icons,no "Welcome" sound,etc. After loading the OC it normally goes to the desktop and you start using the computer. Mine goes to a black screen.
-Where's the windows error log?And how do I check it?
-I was using XP on the computer a few days ago and I switched to Vista via a erasing my hard drive and installing the new OS.That's the only change.
-The problem was really "random".I decided to reboot my computer this morning and next thing I know I have this "Windows Explorer" error and a black screen.
-Which drivers? My video card driver is up-to-date.

 

[lxskllr]

Is Explorer running when you go in taskmanager? If not, see what happens when you try to start it.

 

[Binky]

Sounds like windows is up and running, but something happened to your shell (explorer.exe) that is keeping it from launching.

If you want an easy and possibly incorrect way out, you may be able to install a shell replacement and get it up and running. I'm not a fan of Windows shell replacements (they often are less stable), but this worked for me once. Check out ShareEnvironment.

Edit - if this is a new installation, just reinstall. That's the best solution.

 

[Azndude2190]

Crap, now I think it's even worse. It goes straight to the black screen after the BIOS boots up and the CTRL+ALT+DEL just restarts the computer.

Is there anyway to save a couple of Word Documents at this point?I'm going to reinstall the OS. God I hate Vista.

 

[lxskllr]

Is there anyway to save a couple of Word Documents at this point?I'm going to reinstall the OS. God I hate Vista.

Best way is to use a boot CD to recover the files you want.

 

[Azndude2190]

Best way is to use a boot CD to recover the files you want.

But I can only access the BIOS at this point.

 

[lxskllr]

But I can only access the BIOS at this point.

Ya, you boot to the CD. Use a live Linux CD, or some other kind of boot disc. This is UBCD4Windows that I compiled a bit ago. You need access to another computer, a CD burner, and something to burn it to a disc as a .iso; drag/drop won't work. I like imgburn.

http://ubuntuone.com/p/9Cq/

 

[Azndude2190]

Another Update:Seems like the problem is much bigger. I went ahead and booted the OS installation CD through the BIOS and was met with the black screen after the CD initially loaded.

What now?

 

[Bill Brasky]

Do you have multiple hard drives? If so, I would try to make an image of your current installation to save you documents and then wipe your installation disk and do a clean install. I don't have a particular program in mind, but I would bet you could find a dos bootable program with some googling .