Windows boots with no icons XP Home

[SanDiegoPC]

I ran MalwareBytes.exe and erased registry entries of some 80 pieces of malware. Windows was working until the reboot .... now there is nothing but the desktop background and a mouse cursor.

Three finger salute does indeed bring up the Task Manager. I can run CMD just fine and bring up a dos window. I also did an MSCONFIG. No problem. But there's no taskbar at the bottom and not a single icon on the screen.

HELP!

I've used MalwareBytes on other computers and never had an issue with it.

 

[corkyg]

Use System Restore and pick a date prior to the meltdown.

 

[Binky]

XP? Vista?

Sounds like you broke the settings that open up your shell (explorer). If you hit ctrl-alt-del, can you get task manager running? If you can, your system is up and running, but the shell isn't running.

Try a system restore like mentioned above. If the task manager runs, you should be able to run it from there (XP restore is located at: %SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe).

I had some shell problems after installing (junk) logitech mouse software. I barely use that XP boot so rather than trying to identify and fix the issue, I just installed an alternate shell and it works great. I used Sharpenvironment.

 

[Boobs McGee]

Can you get to the task manager?

If so, try new task and then run explorer.exe.

 

[SanDiegoPC]

Originally posted by: Boobs McGee
Can you get to the task manager?

If so, try new task and then run explorer.exe.

That has no effect. Yes, I can run programs thru the TM but nothing I have tried brings back the desktop.

 

[Boobs McGee]

If you can get new tasks, try mmc.exe and then add the computer management console. Check the event viewer to see if there is anything there that may give you something to go on.

 

[SanDiegoPC]

I was able to do a system restore. Thanks Binky for sending me to exactly where the file I needed was! SR did the trick thank goodness.