Persistent XP Pro problem

[Muse]

If I don't leave any Explorer windows open (or folder windows) when I shut down my PC, the next time I boot, my taskbar will be unresponsive to mouse clicks. I won't be able to access the start button, for instance, or any icons in my tray (I have a program that starts from my Startup folder, so that isn't accessible either). I have to log off and log back on to get an accessible tray/Start button.

However, if I leave at least one Explorer window (or folder window) open when I shut down my PC, when I restart the system (or cold boot), the taskbar will be accessible, but the first Explorer window (or folder window) in the tray will be unresponsive. Not clickable. If I want to do anything with that window at all, I have to go to Task Manager and shut it down under the Applications tab.

What could be at play here? Thanks for any ideas.

 

[SilthDraeth]

I never heard of this. If you cant install windows xp from scratch, search for registry mechanic, it costs $30 dollars for a license key, and run it, and let it fix everything it wants to. It can break a working system, but I have never had it break my system, but it does fix a lot of issues in my experience. I recommend you backup all your saved files etc, and do a full format using derek's nuke disk, then reinstall XP, skip the rest of the steps if this isn't an option.

If the problem is gone, then:
Make sure you are disconnected from the internet
turn on windows backup, and make a backup of current configuration.
Reinstall all drivers...
retest for the problem, if its gone, do another backup
reinstall all your current programs
retest for problem, if it still doesnt happen, make another system backup
connect to the internet
install all Microsoft updates
retest for the problem, and perform another system backup, if your system still works correctly.

 

[Schloonce]

If you have an XP CD, you can pop it in and run "sfc /scannow" from a Run window. SFC is Microsoft's System File Checker. It will check all of your Windows system files and repair as needed. It's helped me out a couple times...couldn't hurt to give it a shot.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747