Vista Desktop does not load occasionally on startup; even though explorer.exe is running
Hi!
Im running a version of Vista Home Premium on an upgraded Windows Media Center Edition 2005 PC and I happen to get an error. Occasionally, then I load my computer, the desktop is missing; no taskbar and no desktop icons. However, Windows Sidebar functions correctly. To solve this problem, I have to use Alt+Ctrl+Del and then go to Task Manager. I have to end explorer.exe and then run it again by manually starting it up. I am not sure if this is a bug that will be resolved in SP1 or if its just my computer's fault. Please respond, thanks!
- Joe
PC Specs:
Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade Version)
DELL INSPIRON E1505
Processor: Genuine Intel(R) CPU T2300 @ 1.66GHz and 1.67GHz
Memory (RAM): 1014MB
32-Bit Operating System
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator for Mobile
All Replies
- I see we share identical problems right down to the PC model software version and symptom. If I find and answer I'll come back here to let you know. If you solve this before me, please post what you found here. Thanks, Dean
Hey!!!
I have the same issue. On startup every time, there is no desktop. However, dsm.exe and explorer are both running. I have an explorer window loaded with "Documents" folder opened, only. My workaround is to just type in explorer.exe in the nav bar and it starts up the desktop and it goes on its merry way.
PC Specs:
Windows Vista Business
Dell Lattitude D820
Processor: CPU T2500 @ 2.00 Ghz
RAM: 2048 MB
32-bit OS
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator for Mobile 945GM chipset.
It appears that behavior happens also in Windows Vista Safe Mode as well.
Same problem dude.If any of got the answer let me know
I seem to be having close to the same problem as you guys. I'm running Windows Vista home premium 32-bit on a Dell Inspiron 530s desktop pc (that actually has enough space for the 64-bit version of Windows Vista).
When I start up Vista, the windows explorer.exe does not load my background picture, the taskbar, or desktop icons. What does pop up is a My Documents window, where I have the opportunity to get to the Windows folder and click on the explorer.exe icon, and it will then load up everything just fine, allowing me to go about my normal business.
The only difference with my problem and yours is that on my task manager, the explorer.exe program is not visible until I manually start it up myself.
Good thing we also have the option of accessing the task manager using Control/Alt/Delete to start up programs that we need.
I've been researching all over the internet about these issues (and similar others) with explorer.exe not loading in Windows Vista on startup, but still haven't come across any solutions to this problem.
This does seem to be a very popular and growing problem for many other Vista users, meaning that there will definately be a fix for this from Microsoft soon.....or at least we hope so!
If yall have heard of any ways to solve this explorer.exe error, let others know (including yours truly) and I'll do the same.
Sincerely, Sara- Proposed As Answer bybaszlykiewicz daniel Saturday, August 22, 2009 8:45 PM
- I have the same prob. on a toshiba satellite. documents folder every time. that's all. explorer.exe visible in task manager but no desktop.
Okay now, I have fixed my explorer.exe problem, but only by doing a system restore on Windows Vista.
It seems that after installing a DVD creating/burning program, my system became unstable and decided to not completely load my desktop, task bar, icons, etc.
If you have recently installed a new software program (any kind), try uninstalling it 1st, then restart your computer and see if everything will load up correctly.
If that doesn't work try restoring your computer to a recent restore point when you know that your computer was functioning properly. (Before whatever installation caused the problem to happen)
I restored mine to a time that was before the menacing software installation. I was hoping I could find a fix for this whole explorer.exe issue without having to do a restore, but I was unsuccessful.
After the system restore was completed, I did a complete virus scan using Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 (works with Vista) and found no viruses. Next, I used this awesome utility program called Tuneup Utilities 2007 (made to work in Vista) to clean out all old/temporary files and fix all incorrect registry entries, which it did. This program is a must for anyone running Windows Vista! Then, just to be on the safe side, I restarted my computer again.
I reinstalled that very same DVD software program just to see what would happen.
Luckily, it installed correctly, I restarted my computer. Windows explorer.exe loaded up just fine along with my desktop background, icons, and taskbar.
So, my advice to you is:
1st: Uninstall the software program you believe to be the culprit (if there is one), then restart.
2nd: If that doesn't work, do a simple system restore (to a time period that your pc worked).
3rd: If system restore works for you, clean out any old files on your computer using Windows Vista utilities or one of your own programs.
4th: Run a virus scan just for good measure (optional).
5th: You can then check online to see if any software you want to install is compatible with your version of Vista. I believe Microsoft has a toolkit called Microsoft Application Compatbility Toolkit that you may download for free from their website.
If system restore does not work for you the 1st time, go back to a further time period and try the restore again. You may not like doing this because you may have to reinstall some of your software/programs all over again, but in the end it will be worth it because this explorer annoyance will be history.
If and when you do a successful system restore and your desktop is fully working 100%, then just reinstall any software that you need. Like I said, it will be worth it.
If you want to completely dismiss the whole system restore option, there are some other things that may help you. Here are some document files that I've copied and pasted onto this message for you to review and try for yourself:
1st Document:
What is Startup Repair?
Startup Repair is a Windows Vista recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. When you run Startup Repair, it scans your computer for the problem and then tries to fix it so your computer can start correctly.
Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer manufacturer has preinstalled recovery options, Startup Repair might also be installed on your hard disk. If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
How do I use Startup Repair on Vista?
If you have a Windows Vista installation disc, you need to restart (boot) your computer using the installation disc. If you do not restart your computer from the disc, the option to repair your computer will not appear.
If you have a Windows Vista installation disc:
1. Insert the installation disc.
2. Restart your computer. Click the Start button Picture of Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button Picture of Lock button, and then click Restart.
3. If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc.
Note: If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer. You may need to change your computer's BIOS settings. For more information, see BIOS: frequently asked questions.
4. Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
5. Click Repair your computer.
6. Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
7. On the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair. Startup Repair might prompt you to make choices as it tries to fix the problem, and if necessary, it might restart your computer as it makes repairs.
If Startup Repair is a preinstalled recovery option on your computer:
1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer. Click the Start button Picture of Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button Picture of Lock button, and then click Restart.
2. Do one of the following:
If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to repair, and then press and hold F8.
3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER. (If Repair your computer is not listed as an option, then your computer does not include Startup Repair as a preinstalled recovery option.)
4. Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
5. Select a user name and enter the password, and then click OK.
6. On the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair. Startup Repair might prompt you to make choices as it tries to fix the problem and, if necessary, it might restart your computer as it makes repairs.
Are there problems that Startup Repair cannot fix?
Startup Repair cannot fix hardware failures, such as a failing hard disk or incompatible memory, nor does it protect against virus attacks. Startup Repair is not a backup tool, so it cannot help you recover personal files, such as photos or documents. To help protect your computer, back up your system and files regularly. For more information, search for "backup" in Windows Help and Support.
Startup Repair is not designed to fix Windows installation problems. For more information, see Troubleshoot Windows installation problems.
What if Startup Repair can't fix my problem?
If repairs are not successful, you'll see a summary of the problem and links to contact information for support. Your computer manufacturer might include additional assistance information.
2nd Document:
System Configuration is an advanced tool that can help identify problems that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If you identify a program that is causing problems, you can check for updates or uninstall the program.
Using the Selective Startup option, you can turn services and startup programs on or off individually to see if the problem occurs the next time you restart your computer. If you select a check box, the service or startup program will run when you restart Windows. If the check box is cleared, the service or startup program will not run when you restart the computer.
Follow this procedure to use the process of elimination to identify the problem:
1. Open System Configuration by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, clicking Administrative Tools, and then double-clicking System Configuration. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. Click the General tab, click Selective startup, and then clear the Load system services and the Load startup items check boxes.
3. Select the Load system services check box, click OK, and then click Restart.
4. If the problem occurs after restarting, do one or both (if necessary) of the following tasks:
Identify the system service that is causing the problem
a. Click the Services tab, click Disable all, select the check box for the first service that is listed, and then restart the computer. If the problem does not occur, then you can eliminate the first service as the cause of the problem.
b. With the first service selected, select the second service check box, and then restart the computer.
c. Repeat this process until you reproduce the problem. If you cannot reproduce the problem, then you can eliminate system services as the cause of the problem. Perform the following task:
Identify the startup item that is causing the problem
a. Click the General tab, and then select the Load startup items check box.
b. Click the Startup tab, click Disable all, select the check box for the first startup item that is listed, and then restart the computer. If the problem does not occur, then you can eliminate the first startup item as the cause of the problem.
c. With the first startup item selected, select the second startup item check box, and then restart the computer. Repeat this process until you reproduce the problem.
LET ME KNOW IF ANY OF THIS HELPS!
Sincerely, Sara- Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe' - I do not follow the post above. Can you please explain how to adjust this "shell" setting?? I located the registry folders specified but am unable to locate any type of shell settings..
Regarding the previous methods of correcting this problem I wish I could try them however I don't have the Vista disc or system restore points..
Hellllllp! - Hi, i had the same problem with everyone. What happened was that in my case, i turned off UAC. Then one day, i plugged in a friend's USB drive and it infected my computer with a spyware/trojan. Although my antivirus managed to delete the trojan, several problems occured
1. I no longer had access to cmd.exe, regedit.exe
2. Folder options went missing
3. When i login to windows, desktop does not appear, instead My Documents is launched. I had to Ctrl+Alt+Del and terminate explorer.exe and launch it manually.
As for the cmd.exe, regedit.exe and folder options, i managed to fix it through Group Policy. While, the explorer problem lies in the registry at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Shell = Explorer.exe "C:\Windows\System32\JambanMu.com"
I changed it to
Shell = Explorer.exe
Which seems to fix the problem. I was infected with a trojan/spyware which tries to launch JambanMu.com and Flash.10.exe
Hope this helps. Anonymous578264 wrote: Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe'
/Maxim
This worked a charm...Thanks.
Hello!
Thank you very much for this wonderful tip!
I had the same problem and after a few hour trying and searching the web I found your answer... and it works!!!!
Greetings from Kuurne - Belgium
Gino- Thank you. Thank you. This has been driving me crazy for two days after installed a new dvd drive. I have vista for business and it works perfect.
Perfect solution. thank you a million times for that. the shell variable was set to explorer.exe with lsass.exe attached to. after removing all the rubish after the .exe everything went perfect.
Thanks again
- than yu soo much !!! i gt my pc justa whle ago. and i used a keygen after i ha this problem.thanks again.
but fo me it wasn't c\windows\system32 it was c\windows\explorer.exe.
thank you agian
i'm going to buy macfee now
thanks
- Thanks. This fixed my problem.
- Hi.. this dosent work for me, tho i have the identical problem. Each time i boot up, from the black & mouse pointer screen, I have to go to start task manager (ctrl+alt+del) and then from teh task manager i have to invoke "new task" and run "explorer" each time to see the desktop.
when i edit the registry, i find an entry named "Explorer.exe work.exe" listed against HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
even though i edit to "explorer.exe" the momnet i quit regedit and then load regedit once again, it still shows "Explorer.exe work.exe".
cannot understand what the problem is. any suggestions ?
cheers
vivi - Hi all, I have the same problem but when a try to open regedit or msconfig IE or something else the windows is rebooting.In safe mode is the same.I want to fix it but i haven't cd with vista so does anybody know how to solve my problem.I will be very thankful.!!!
Hi all, I have the same problem but when a try to open regedit or msconfig IE or something else the windows is rebooting.In safe mode is the same.I want to fix it but i haven't cd with vista so does anybody know how to solve my problem.I will be very thankful.!!! Fantastic solution
Thanks!!!
- it works perfect...... thank you
- so what should do to avoid this kind of issue?
- I have the same problem right down to lsass.exe being attached. I tried modifying the shell value but it changes itself back to the line with lsass.exe i.e.(Explorer.exe C:\Recycler\recycler\lsass.exe).... How did you manage to cut off the lsass part/ Is there any way to save the modification?
- Thank you very much for the Fix. It works, Love itGod bless you.
cheers mate
had this problem for a few months now
works like a charm
people ... use this easy as
Works great, smooth sailing now...thanks a ton
does not work for me either. as soon as i run regedit, the laptop is rebooted..
plz tell me the solution at the earliest
mail to chokhs@hotmail.com
that really helps.its a virus by the name brontok.. the full name is something else
anyways.. only norton can help
download the 15 day trial version from their site as i did
or a buy a new norton
ok, I have been trying to follow these directions, and when I open the "windows NT" folder, the "Winlogon" is not there. When I search for winlogon on my system, a program appears. But then when I click it, nothing happens. HELP PLEASE!!
I am having the same problem as mentioned earlier... I downloaded a dvd rip software, and then when I startup my computer, the documents folder appears. So at the moment, I am having to type explorer.exe in teh navigation bar.
- hi im am having a problem like this i turn my computer on and loads vista n gose welcome n gose to load the desktop and it goes completly black all i can see is my mouse cursor n stays like that i loaded nero on to my computer and deleted it n restarted it and it still dosnt work what do i do??
Maxim.Paukov wrote: Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe'
/Maxim
Boy what a relief... It worked like a charm...
Thanks a Million.
ye my desktop works now BUT when i go into my computer and then like a file eg f drive it balnks again and then i hav to do ctrl alt delete it is realing annoying like when i go to load som work it will wait for like 5 sec on that folder n then blank =[- the above worked fine 4 me....gr8!!
- I have exactly the same problem!!! and its really starting to piss me off.
mine is a dell inspiron 1525. please let me know if you find any solutions to this problem.
many thanks. Maxim.Paukov wrote: Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe'TO ALL THOSE FOR WHOM ABOVE SOLUTION DID NOT WORK
Lets see this problem from a different angle. I had same issue and windows was not showing anything in desktop. Registry keys were fine. I was seeing task bar and start button as well, just that nothing on Desktop. I right clicked in blank Desktop area, clicked on View and last option in menu "Show Desktop Icons" was unchecked. Clicked to check it and all desktop icons came back.
Cheers,
KC
Uuhhh guys....
I have the same wiht Vista Home Premium. But I cannot find what is said. Can someone please explain it?
Thanks in Advance!
Yours sincerely,
Robbert van Pelt (Holland)
- My problem is simmilar...
The first time, I load Vista, and I get the black screen. I can go into the Task Manager and restart explorer.exe. However, when I do it this way, most of my startup programs do not start. If I restart the computer, everything works fine.
It's always the same pattern: once black screen, once fine. It's really annoying...
The solution described above does not work for me since in the winlogon entry is just explorer.exe
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Guys..
I cannot follow what is said. Cant follow the steps. Can someone just explain it step by step?
Thanks
- OMG! This is wonderful! I was so scared that my computer had went kaput. Thank you sooooooo much!
Joe574469 wrote: Hi!
Im running a version of Vista Home Premium on an upgraded Windows Media Center Edition 2005 PC and I happen to get an error. Occasionally, then I load my computer, the desktop is missing; no taskbar and no desktop icons. However, Windows Sidebar functions correctly. To solve this problem, I have to use Alt+Ctrl+Del and then go to Task Manager. I have to end explorer.exe and then run it again by manually starting it up. I am not sure if this is a bug that will be resolved in SP1 or if its just my computer's fault. Please respond, thanks!
- Joe
PC Specs:
Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade Version)
DELL INSPIRON E1505
Processor: Genuine Intel(R) CPU T2300 @ 1.66GHz and 1.67GHz
Memory (RAM): 1014MB
32-Bit Operating System
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator for Mobile
hi i have the same problem. i am unable to open regedit, whenever i try to open it, it throws an error msg " registry editing is blocked by your administrator" smthing like that. can u pls tell me how can i access my registry. once i hav the access to registry , only then can i check the shell stuff. pls help. i am really struggling.- How do I do a system restore when I cant even pull up the task launcher?
- Maxim.Paukov said:
Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe'
Excellent advice this worked for me BIG THANK YOU........ - Sita Marie said:
How do I do a system restore when I cant even pull up the task launcher?
Use alt/ctrl/del in task manager (applications tab) click new task and type rstrui.exe - I have a Toshiba Satellite also; mine occasionally doesn't load desktop items and the Windows Sidebar. However everything works fine otherwise, and I can manually open Sidebr i it rfuse to load. Again this problem only seems to happen once every so often. I'm not too sure about editing the registry tho :/
- Yuo are the man your fixworked perfectly. I had this problem for months and quit using the machine and just decided to try and find a solution again today. Thanks alot.
- Hi to all.
I'm new in technet.
I have an similar problem.
When windows vista home premium start, I see the welcom screen and then an Windows error, Windows explorer don't start.
I enter in task manager with CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC and enter new task explorer.exe, when the process start in few seconds tell me the same error Windows explorer don't start. In safe mode Windows explorer work fine.
I try restore point and they tell me that there is no restore point.
I try antivirus and spyware software and they don't found any virus, trojan, etc.
I try to repair windows with original DVD and they don't add me the option for repair (its gray) only new install.
Windows shell is set properlly.
Please help me solve this problem.
Thanks. - Hi everyoneI have the same prob as all the aboveWhen I checked in the shell the value data reads 'Explorer.exe C:\WINDOWS\csrss.exe'is this correct or should it read just 'explorer.exe' without the 'C:\WINDOWS\csrss.exe'hope you can help
- Same problem here!I am not so bothered about a fix but I want to know what caused this to happen in the first place?I suspect that it is the usual suspect from Redmond, put simply another rushed over expensive bad bit of software.I bought this and actually feel conned. The software is second rate, Microsoft should be ashamed, but of course won't be.This is the last time.
Hi
You have to set the default value for the windows shell setting:
In the Windows Registry (open 'regedit')
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\winlogon\
Set 'Shell' variable = 'Explorer.exe'
i dont quite get this i dont have " shell " in my reg, can anyone help me?how do i add SHELL to my REG?IMAGE of my reg as is --[[http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7541/regv.png]]any help would be appreciatedPLZ && THNXI couldn't help wondering why you had only a few items in your Microsoft NT, then I saw there was another Microsoft NT below that one. Click on the one below it, There you will find something called "Shell," click on the shell and out should come up a text box with two text squares thinger magigs named "Edit String" Leave the first one alone, but on the second one, replace what ever you have there with "Explorer.exe", no quotes...
If you dont know how to get to regedit, open run, type in RegEdit then hit the enter key. click on the triange with "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE," then click on the triange with "Software," then click on the triange with "Microsoft," then the triange with "Windows NT," then the triange with "CurrentVersion," then JUST CLICK ON "WINLOGON." you dont have to click on that triange. There you will find Shell and follow the steps on the top.Any question, email me at Javyer19@yahoo.com
- Proposed As Answer byJavyer12 Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:46 AM
PC Specs:
Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade Version)
DELL INSPIRON E1505
Processor: Genuine Intel(R) CPU T2300 @ 1.66GHz and 1.67GHz
Memory (RAM): 1014MB
32-Bit Operating System
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator for Mobile
I know with those Specs the desktop takes a few seconds after log into the machine to load (depending on what startup apps are processing) and your system with 1GB of ram is going to run like a dog 70% of the time when you actualy want to do somthing.
Id recomend atleast 2GB minimum to get the full potential of vista. and Disable all Startup programs apart from antivirus.
As for explorer, have you run a repair see if that cures the problem?
My specs:
Windows Vista Ultimate 32x
Acer Aspire 5630
Processor: Genuine Intel(R) @ 1.66GHz (intel centrino core2duo)
Memory (RAM): 2GB 800Mhz
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 945 for Mobile.
Startup time: 35.8 seconds.
