Blank Desktop no Task manager

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris
  • Start date Start date
C

Chris

Guest
Server 2003 standard

Here are my symptons:

When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either directly or
thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete the
windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager nothing
happens.

I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a last known
good start up.

Here is the he hisotory as it is...

Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I tired
it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I started to follow
the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them was to clean out my temps.
I ran a program I use called CleanUp4. This just takes out cookies and temp
files, nothing else. I've used it for years.

I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to reinstall the
program.

So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.

I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may not be
starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.

Any ideas oth there?

Chris
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

In news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com,
Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:
> Server 2003 standard
>
> Here are my symptons:
>
> When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either
> directly or thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a
> ctl/alt/delete the windows security window comes up but when I select
> Task Manager nothing happens.
>
> I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a
> last known good start up.
>
> Here is the he hisotory as it is...
>
> Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I
> tired it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I
> started to follow the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them
> was to clean out my temps. I ran a program I use called CleanUp4.
> This just takes out cookies and temp files, nothing else. I've used
> it for years.
>
> I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to
> reinstall the program.
>
> So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.
>
> I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may
> not be starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.
>
> Any ideas oth there?
>
> Chris

Does this occur for any account or just the admin account?

Since you can't get into Task Mgr, you can't even get to a CMD prompt, or
can you? IF so, look at this article (I know you have 2003, but worth a
peek):
No Desktop or Blank Desktop After Logging On to Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256194

Apparently the install got hosed possibly because of something else stopping
the installation, such as another AV program, Windows Defender, or something
else that stopped a portion of the installation enough to corrupt it and
leave the system in an unstable state.

What other apps is running on this server that may or may not have
interfered? Is it a DC, is Exchange installed, SQL, etc? Windows Defender
installed? Some other 3rd party antispyware? Did you get in touch with AVG
again after following their first set of instructions to fix it? If so, what
did they say?

Since this is a server, I assume you have a backup of the System State? If
so, restore it please.

If not, and AVG is not being helpful with their own product's messup,
possibly reinstalling the system as an upgrade (not a reinstall) by putting
the original Windows 2003 Std CDROM in, boot up, and choose R to repair the
installation (I believe you have to hit R twice), which will simply refresh
the OS and save current profiles, settings, services, etc. Re-run any
service packs and updates afterwards.

--
Regards,
Ace

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT,
MVP Microsoft MVP - Directory Services
Microsoft Certified Trainer

For urgent issues, you may want to contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please
check http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager


"Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...
| Server 2003 standard
|
| Here are my symptons:
|
| When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either directly
or
| thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete the
| windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager nothing
| happens.

Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that were
fixed with an "sfc /scannow"
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

Dear Ace -

I'm in the safe mode command line but I'm out of my depth as far as
understanding how to type in commands of any type here. To be honest I'm not
sure what a system state backup is so I'm lost there as well.

This issue occurs for all accounts I've tried.

This is a Domian server but the only programs running are logmein. Nothing
else, no exchange or SQL or AV nothing.

What will I lose if I run the repair from the install CD?

Will I lose my Directory etc?

Data is on a different partition so not worried there.

Thank you

Chris




"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com,
> Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:
> > Server 2003 standard
> >
> > Here are my symptons:
> >
> > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either
> > directly or thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a
> > ctl/alt/delete the windows security window comes up but when I select
> > Task Manager nothing happens.
> >
> > I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a
> > last known good start up.
> >
> > Here is the he hisotory as it is...
> >
> > Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I
> > tired it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I
> > started to follow the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them
> > was to clean out my temps. I ran a program I use called CleanUp4.
> > This just takes out cookies and temp files, nothing else. I've used
> > it for years.
> >
> > I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to
> > reinstall the program.
> >
> > So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.
> >
> > I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may
> > not be starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.
> >
> > Any ideas oth there?
> >
> > Chris
>
> Does this occur for any account or just the admin account?
>
> Since you can't get into Task Mgr, you can't even get to a CMD prompt, or
> can you? IF so, look at this article (I know you have 2003, but worth a
> peek):
> No Desktop or Blank Desktop After Logging On to Windows 2000
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256194
>
> Apparently the install got hosed possibly because of something else stopping
> the installation, such as another AV program, Windows Defender, or something
> else that stopped a portion of the installation enough to corrupt it and
> leave the system in an unstable state.
>
> What other apps is running on this server that may or may not have
> interfered? Is it a DC, is Exchange installed, SQL, etc? Windows Defender
> installed? Some other 3rd party antispyware? Did you get in touch with AVG
> again after following their first set of instructions to fix it? If so, what
> did they say?
>
> Since this is a server, I assume you have a backup of the System State? If
> so, restore it please.
>
> If not, and AVG is not being helpful with their own product's messup,
> possibly reinstalling the system as an upgrade (not a reinstall) by putting
> the original Windows 2003 Std CDROM in, boot up, and choose R to repair the
> installation (I believe you have to hit R twice), which will simply refresh
> the OS and save current profiles, settings, services, etc. Re-run any
> service packs and updates afterwards.
>
> --
> Regards,
> Ace
>
> This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
> confers no rights.
>
> Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT,
> MVP Microsoft MVP - Directory Services
> Microsoft Certified Trainer
>
> For urgent issues, you may want to contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please
> check http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.
>
> Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations
>
>
>
>
>
>
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager


"Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F8839BF2-2968-4E6F-86C6-E8EAE95727CE@microsoft.com...
> Dear Ace -
>
> I'm in the safe mode command line but I'm out of my depth as far as
> understanding how to type in commands of any type here. To be honest I'm
> not
> sure what a system state backup is so I'm lost there as well.
>
> This issue occurs for all accounts I've tried.
>
> This is a Domian server but the only programs running are logmein.
> Nothing
> else, no exchange or SQL or AV nothing.
>
> What will I lose if I run the repair from the install CD?
>
> Will I lose my Directory etc?
>
> Data is on a different partition so not worried there.
>
> Thank you
>
> Chris

NO, you will not. Just carefully follow the onscreen instructions and
explanations. All you want to do is repair the installation, not reinstall
it.

How many DCs do you have? If you have more than one and this DC is doing
nothing else than being a DC, you can simply dump it and start over. There
are additional tasks to clean up AD, but that is the least of your worries.

You should plan on coming up with a DR strategy moving forward to prevent
this. And be careful when you install something like an AV program that may
not work on a DC.

Ace
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,
Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:
> "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...
> > Server 2003 standard
> >
> > Here are my symptons:
> >
> > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either
> > directly
> or
> > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete
> > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager
> > nothing happens.
>
> Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that
> were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"

Yes it does.

Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This
article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line
utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter
Edition ...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.

Ace
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

Ace and Caleb

I can use the command line in safe mode but I am having the a tough time
figuring out how to actually enter them in this version. Currently I have
C:\documents and settings\administrator> showing but all commands i try to
enter except help don't work. Seems the skills I have for the "run/cmd" in a
windows GUI just don't work.

I'm going to finish my coffee and take a mental break here and wait for any
reply back form you both. Since I'm in command line should I try this "sfc
/scannow" that calem mentions and if so can either of you provide me with the
exact text to enter into the above command line?

If not then I'll move ahead and restore the OS as ACe suggested.

Oh this is the only server on the network to answer that ??

I know I'm out of my element here. I am a very good advanced desktop
network guy (IMHO) but it is a bear finding any place to train on servers but
that is another subject.

Ta in advance to you both.

Chris

"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,
> Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:
> > "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...
> > > Server 2003 standard
> > >
> > > Here are my symptons:
> > >
> > > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either
> > > directly
> > or
> > > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete
> > > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager
> > > nothing happens.
> >
> > Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that
> > were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"
>
> Yes it does.
>
> Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This
> article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line
> utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter
> Edition ...
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747
>
> That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.
>
> Ace
>
>
>
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected system
files.

"the rpc server is unavailable"

"Chris" wrote:

> Ace and Caleb
>
> I can use the command line in safe mode but I am having the a tough time
> figuring out how to actually enter them in this version. Currently I have
> C:\documents and settings\administrator> showing but all commands i try to
> enter except help don't work. Seems the skills I have for the "run/cmd" in a
> windows GUI just don't work.
>
> I'm going to finish my coffee and take a mental break here and wait for any
> reply back form you both. Since I'm in command line should I try this "sfc
> /scannow" that calem mentions and if so can either of you provide me with the
> exact text to enter into the above command line?
>
> If not then I'll move ahead and restore the OS as ACe suggested.
>
> Oh this is the only server on the network to answer that ??
>
> I know I'm out of my element here. I am a very good advanced desktop
> network guy (IMHO) but it is a bear finding any place to train on servers but
> that is another subject.
>
> Ta in advance to you both.
>
> Chris
>
> "Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:
>
> > In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,
> > Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:
> > > "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...
> > > > Server 2003 standard
> > > >
> > > > Here are my symptons:
> > > >
> > > > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either
> > > > directly
> > > or
> > > > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete
> > > > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager
> > > > nothing happens.
> > >
> > > Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that
> > > were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"
> >
> > Yes it does.
> >
> > Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This
> > article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line
> > utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter
> > Edition ...
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747
> >
> > That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.
> >
> > Ace
> >
> >
> >
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

In news:C2562626-4D3D-4865-B6B3-AB15AAFA7A4F@microsoft.com,
Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:
> I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected
> system files.
>
> "the rpc server is unavailable"
>

Sorry for the delay.

RCP server not available means it must rely on network connectivity with the
machine itself thru local RPC and since it is in safemode it's not working.
Try booting up in safe mode command prompt with networking.

Ace
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

Ace and Caleb

I went ahead and did the "restore" and all is well in the world.

Thank you and good night.

Chris

"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:C2562626-4D3D-4865-B6B3-AB15AAFA7A4F@microsoft.com,
> Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:
> > I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected
> > system files.
> >
> > "the rpc server is unavailable"
> >
>
> Sorry for the delay.
>
> RCP server not available means it must rely on network connectivity with the
> machine itself thru local RPC and since it is in safemode it's not working.
> Try booting up in safe mode command prompt with networking.
>
> Ace
>
>
>
 
Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

In news:44E1F88C-EE40-40AC-A869-C433F42E309D@microsoft.com,
Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:
> Ace and Caleb
>
> I went ahead and did the "restore" and all is well in the world.
>
> Thank you and good night.
>
> Chris

THere you go. Good to hear.

If your CDROM is not integrated with the latest service pack, make sure you
re-run the latest service pack. YOu also definitely want to re-run ALL
Windows Udates and hotfixes to bring it up to speed.

Ace
 
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