No taskbar or desktop icons

When I boot up my daughter's laptop the taskbar is visible for a
fraction of a second and then it disappears. I also see no desktop
icons, but the background is visible. The problem seems to be with
explorer.exe I can run most anything, except IE, by starting a new
task from the task manager.

The problem might have been caused by a screwed up Windows update, or
shutting down or hibernating during a Windows update, or by some other
software update.

Here's is what I've tried to get this working again without any
success.

- run explorer.exe from the task manager
- tried a registry fix that seemed to work for other
- reregistered a bunch of system files that seemed to work for others
- booted to safe mode (no taskbar or icons either)
- ran several spyware and virus checkers
- system restore wouldn't work
- repaired Windows (i.e. reinstalled without reformatting)
- cursed and prayed

The computer is still quite usable by running everything from the task
manager, but it's sort of like running everything from a command line
in DOS.

Any other suggestions that don't involve reformatting and starting all
over.

If you can, check this registry key:-
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon
Make sure userinit is pointing to c:\windows\system32\userinit.exe

Taskbar Is Missing When You Log On to Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;318027

and/or

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Line 117 - Restore Taskbar and Start Menu

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

or Line #195 "Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar"
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

what worked for you ? This is the exact problem we are having with
our laptop.

thank you for the task bar repair link it worked like magic

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, nothing worked. I still
only get the taskbar that flashes up for a second and no icons. Is
there a log file that I can see what's going on internally that would
cause this problem?

I eventually saved my files, wiped the disk, and reloaded WinXP.

[iAMradical]

One of the things you might've wanted to try before a system restore would be to run "Malewarebytes". From my experience it solves quite a bit of problems concerning "no desktop, no icons, no taskbar". Sometimes "explorer.exe" which is the .exe file that provides the user interface for windows-based computers becomes corrupted by viruses. "Malwarebytes" can help detect and remove the viruses from the computer.

[butterfly42397]

The SAME thing happened to me, except I haven't seen my taskbar come up at all. Nothing is working for me, and I don't even have the virus explorer.exe. This is getting really annoying.

[djmcfar]

Thanks - your first suggestion worked for me - the entry that I had in the registry was correct except that it had a comma appended to it - when I removed the comma and rebooted, all of the normal Windows user interface items re-appeared.

I can only speculate that a Windows update was the culprit - thanks again :-)

[melcow71]

hiya

i still got same problem is no taskbar and no icons.

i search website and all message keep say same story about use it is ctrl+alt+del...it still nothing coming up..so i keep repeat press three button all the time...seem i lost task...do anyone know how to recover task manger then i can use ctrl+alt+del again if i can get it through

any help it will be grateful

thank you

[Brunoz]

When the taskbar to behave abnormally or is missing completely, delete the registry folder "StuckRects" at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoft
Windows CurrentVersion Explorer and then restart the computer. This does not help you see if the C: windows application internet explorer quick launch if a folder exists. In XP, click the C: / Documents and Settings \ [USER] / Application Data / Microsoft / Internet Explorer / Quick Launch. If not, then you create a new folder with that name. Close the Explorer and update the context desktop. Then click the right mouse button on the taskbar and choose Toolbars. There you check the "Quick Start". And set the desired symbols again.

[melcow71]

hiya
after i post it and i been leave laptop on for few hours while i shopping and relise taskmanger is back..so i try doing again..when i press ctrl alt del then wait for half an hour coming up..so far i did tpying exploroer.exe..and it is come back another half an hour later...very very slow run coming up each.

then been shut it down and start again...same story...

icon desktop is there...taskbar is halfway (colour grey) and wont let me click start menu....i am going pull my hair....so i try download usb pen for maleware something like that but wont even let me open usb pen....again i pull my hair...

laptop is advent 4213..xp.sp3...been try restore..not susseccful..same again problem. really wish this laptop going to bin but not worth bec it is small thing to be relsolve really.

so pls pls give me easy step by step bec i am not 100 per cent good with laptop...let say i know bit around 65 per cent lols

any help will be grateful

tracey

[melcow71]

try open website and wont let me use website for download..again i am gonna pull my hair lols...i have avg and wont let me open it as well..i guess wait for half an hour each then....think my hair run out lols.