[Resolved] Desktop has Vanished

Go here:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

And run tweak no. 117: Restore Taskbar and Start Menu

Save the file and save it to C:\
double click it and answer "yes"


If you need to do it this way: Alt-ctrl-del to get to task manager, click "new task", browse… find the file on c:\, right click it>open
It should be named: nodesktop.reg

Sorry, still not working.

Please go to Task Manager > File > Run and copy/paste in this line:

regedit.exe /e c:\export.txt "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe"


Then hit enter.

Then use Notepad to go to c:\export.txt

If you cannot find the file, please let me know that fact.

Paste the results here.

I cant find the file.

Can you open regedit and tell me what is listed after "Debugger"? [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe] "Debugger"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe]
"Debugger"

'explorer.exe' isnt listed under 'Image file execution options'.

Open notepad using Task Manager and copy/paste the contents of the following 'Code box' into it:
(do not forget to copy and paste REGEDIT4 in it!)

CODE

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"Shell"="Explorer.exe"

Save this as fix.reg , choose to save as *all files and place it where you can find it.
Do not use it yet.

The above Registry file was written specifically for this infection on this person's computer. It is NOT to be used on another computer, as it may cause damage that could result in a format!

2 – Run the fix.reg you made before using Task Manger and when it asks you if you want to add the contents to the registry, click yes/ok

I followed your instructions but the desktop is still gone.

Create a new user account and see if that user's desktop is OK.

Yep, i tried that and that account had no desktop either.

Yep, i tried that and that account had no desktop either.

So if I understand this right, no accounts, including Administrator, even in Safe Mode, doesn't have a desktop?

yeah pretty much

yeah pretty much

?? If you restart in Safe Mode and use the administrator account, do you have desktop icons?

Last time i checked there were no icons in Administrator in safe mode. And i just checked again to be sure and all i got was a brief flash of the startup bar.

Last time i checked there were no icons in Administrator in safe mode.

That doesn't make any sense to me.
Do you have your windows CD?


You can use windows sfc (system file checker) You'd need your XP CD to make this work.
Click Start> Run> type sfc /scannow Note the space.
(Note that there is a space between sfc and /scannow)