Desktop Not Loading Correctly

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Chris Guimbellot

Guest
Hello,

I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start
it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no
issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop background
image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If
I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any program by
selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc. Interestingly
enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.

I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a couple
of spyware programs.

I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of
time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I
would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to provide any further
clarification.

Thanks.

Chris
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities


(1) A missing userinit value.

1. Copy below between the lines:

----------copy inside only----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
----------copy inside only----------

2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg)
3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
4. Restart.


(2) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".

1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
2. Go to this key:
[HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.


ju.c


"Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Hello,
>
> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
> gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes in
> where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the desktop
> icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run
> any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc. Interestingly
> enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.
>
> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but the
> one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run a
> System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
> operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
> viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.
>
> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and I
> really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any help
> on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Chris
>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

Does a Safe Mode boot work correctly ? It's possible that your
issue is a Profile specific one, not Windows wide. You may have
to create a new user and port the existing data to the new account.

No single AV product gives you 100% coverage. You should do
an occasional on-line scan from other vendors. Also the types of
threats extend beyond Viruses & Trojans. You need a Malware
real-time protection agent, something like Windows Defender. The
approach you want is to keep stuff off the computer not just detect
& remove it after it gets on. (SpyBot, AdAware).

"Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Hello,
>
> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
> start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
> no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
> background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
> system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
> program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
> Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't
> be found.
>
> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
> console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
> success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
> points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
> TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
> couple of spyware programs.
>
> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
> of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
> difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
> provide any further clarification.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Chris
>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

ju.c

I wanted to let you know that although the issue was not the missing
userinit value, it appears that the Image File Execution fix worked. As soon
as i deleted that key, it popped up the desktop and start menu, etc. I have
not fully verified as it started automatically downloading all of the
patches (I guess because i ran that repair function) so I will allow it to
install all of those then reboot and see what happens. I will be sure to let
you know as soon as i do. Thanks,

Chris

"ju.c" <bibidybubidyboop@mailnator.com> wrote in message
news:eqM8GdLGJHA.2456@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities
>
>
> (1) A missing userinit value.
>
> 1. Copy below between the lines:
>
> ----------copy inside only----------
> Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
> "Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
> ----------copy inside only----------
>
> 2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
> replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
> Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg)
> 3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
> 4. Restart.
>
>
> (2) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".
>
> 1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
> 2. Go to this key:
> [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution
> Options]
> 3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.
>
>
> ju.c
>
>
> "Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
> news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
>> start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
>> no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
>> background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
>> system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
>> program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
>> Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program
>> can't be found.
>>
>> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
>> console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
>> success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
>> points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
>> TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
>> couple of spyware programs.
>>
>> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
>> of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
>> difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
>> provide any further clarification.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Chris
>>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your
help. You saved me countless hours of work.

Chris

"ju.c" <bibidybubidyboop@mailnator.com> wrote in message
news:eqM8GdLGJHA.2456@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities
>
>
> (1) A missing userinit value.
>
> 1. Copy below between the lines:
>
> ----------copy inside only----------
> Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
> "Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
> ----------copy inside only----------
>
> 2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
> replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
> Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg)
> 3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
> 4. Restart.
>
>
> (2) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".
>
> 1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
> 2. Go to this key:
> [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution
> Options]
> 3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.
>
>
> ju.c
>
>
> "Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
> news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
>> start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
>> no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
>> background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
>> system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
>> program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
>> Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program
>> can't be found.
>>
>> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
>> console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
>> success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
>> points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
>> TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
>> couple of spyware programs.
>>
>> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
>> of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
>> difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
>> provide any further clarification.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Chris
>>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

Sorry. Forgot to mention that. It was early when I sent the original
message. Safe mode did not work for either that user's account or the
Administrator account. It was the same issue.

Also, I will look into Windows Defender and a more proactive approach. I
appreciate the thought.

Thanks,

Chris

"R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:egSCPgLGJHA.3576@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Does a Safe Mode boot work correctly ? It's possible that your
> issue is a Profile specific one, not Windows wide. You may have
> to create a new user and port the existing data to the new account.
>
> No single AV product gives you 100% coverage. You should do
> an occasional on-line scan from other vendors. Also the types of
> threats extend beyond Viruses & Trojans. You need a Malware
> real-time protection agent, something like Windows Defender. The
> approach you want is to keep stuff off the computer not just detect
> & remove it after it gets on. (SpyBot, AdAware).
>
> "Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
> news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I
>> start it up, it gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with
>> no issues. The problem comes in where after I log in, the desktop
>> background image loads up, but none of the desktop icons, start bar or
>> system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run any
>> program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
>> Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program
>> can't be found.
>>
>> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair
>> console, but the one that repairs the existing installation) with no
>> success. Also, I tried to run a System Restore, but there were no restore
>> points (probably because I ran that repair operation from the CD). I have
>> TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no viruses, but a
>> couple of spyware programs.
>>
>> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot
>> of time, and I really think the fix on this is probably not that
>> difficult. I would appreciate any help on this and would be happy to
>> provide any further clarification.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>
>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

I have a similar problem - After I had installed a new hardisk with the XP OS
on it. When I goback and boot up from my original hardisk with XP on it. I
can login into the account but only the desktop background image loads up,
and none of the desktop icons, start bar or system tray. It will be the same
problems on all the others users account

If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and to to Task Manager, I can run any programs.

Tryied to added the userinit but it does't work. Anyone have any solution?

Thanks

Derek


"ju.c" wrote:

> The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities
>
>
> (1) A missing userinit value.
>
> 1. Copy below between the lines:
>
> ----------copy inside only----------
> Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>
> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
> "Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
> ----------copy inside only----------
>
> 2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
> replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
> Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg)
> 3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
> 4. Restart.
>
>
> (2) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".
>
> 1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
> 2. Go to this key:
> [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
> 3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.
>
>
> ju.c
>
>
> "Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
> news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> > Hello,
> >
> > I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
> > gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes in
> > where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the desktop
> > icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager, I can run
> > any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc. Interestingly
> > enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.
> >
> > I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but the
> > one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run a
> > System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
> > operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
> > viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.
> >
> > I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and I
> > really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any help
> > on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Chris
> >
>
 
Re: Desktop Not Loading Correctly

Glad to help, Chris!


ju.c


"Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
news:evYUOeMGJHA.5252@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> It worked. I have restarted and it is working like a champ. Thanks for your help. You
> saved me countless hours of work.
>
> Chris
>
> "ju.c" <bibidybubidyboop@mailnator.com> wrote in message
> news:eqM8GdLGJHA.2456@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> The problem is most likely one of these two possibilities
>>
>>
>> (1) A missing userinit value.
>>
>> 1. Copy below between the lines:
>>
>> ----------copy inside only----------
>> Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
>>
>> [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
>> "Userinit"="C:\\WINDOWS\\SYSTEM32\\userinit.exe,"
>> ----------copy inside only----------
>>
>> 2. Paste into Notepad, if your Windows is not on drive C:
>> replace C: with your Windows drive letter and Save-As
>> Userinit.reg (or any name + .reg)
>> 3. Double-click or right-click and merge into the registry.
>> 4. Restart.
>>
>>
>> (2) An "explorer.exe" entry in the registry key "Image File Execution".
>>
>> 1. Open the Run box and enter: regedit
>> 2. Go to this key:
>> [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options]
>> 3. If you see "explorer.exe" as a subkey below, delete it.
>>
>>
>> ju.c
>>
>>
>> "Chris Guimbellot" <cguimbellotnospam@hifranchise.com> wrote in message
>> news:uu0vDVLGJHA.4640@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I am having a strange problem. I have an XP box on my network. When I start it up, it
>>> gets to the login screen correctly and I can log in with no issues. The problem comes
>>> in where after I log in, the desktop background image loads up, but none of the
>>> desktop icons, start bar or system tray. If I CTRL + ALT + DEL and go to Task Manager,
>>> I can run any program by selecting File > Run. I can run software, the browser, etc.
>>> Interestingly enough, I cannot run Explorer.exe. It says the program can't be found.
>>>
>>> I have tried to run the repair feature from the XP disk (not the repair console, but
>>> the one that repairs the existing installation) with no success. Also, I tried to run
>>> a System Restore, but there were no restore points (probably because I ran that repair
>>> operation from the CD). I have TrendMicro antivirus on the PC and ran it, finding no
>>> viruses, but a couple of spyware programs.
>>>
>>> I am trying to not have to reformat the PC because that would take a lot of time, and
>>> I really think the fix on this is probably not that difficult. I would appreciate any
>>> help on this and would be happy to provide any further clarification.
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> Chris
>>>
>
>
 
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