BleepingComputer.com: WINDOWS EXPLORER DOESN'T WORK

That will assist in repairing this pc (Gateway Laptop running Vista Home). I'm attempting to fix this pc for a co-worker, but without the ability to navigate in windows explorer..it's been nearly impossible. So far I've managed to remove nearly 600+ spyware/malware/trojan infections with the use of SUPERAntispyware and Malwarebytes. Thought maybe that would free up the windows explorer problem but NOT SO. I've also done a system restore back to 4/2/09.....that didn't do it either. Also performed the *Error Check Now* (in XP it was the 'chkdsk /f' option.....and that's done nothing. I'm at a loss. The Disk for Vista OS states that IF I use it, it will wipe out all data on the hd. So...it seems I can't do the 'repair' option either.

Have any of you heard of this before? This is my FIRST experience with a problem like this....and it's got me totally baffled. All I have access to is the desktop...and internet....so I download programs that I think will help...and I found this site....lucky me!

Can anyone give me a few pointers on what else to do?
Would much appreciate the help.
Thanks for being here!
Cherps

hello

do you have a task bar ? if yes. right click in task bar. choose task manager. choose processes . is explorer.exe running? if not go to file (top left of task manager)click New Task type explorer.exe see if that helps.

good luck

Hi Kenny,

Yes, explorer.exe is running. However, I click on anything that requires Windows Explorer and a msg comes up that says it's closing explorer and windows is looking for a solution....no solution ever appears. There is absolutely no way to access anything that requires the explorer...though it shows to be running.

Thanks for your help!
Cherps

hello

heres what i was reading

http://www.hardwareanalysis.com/content/topic/41976/

hope it helps. if not there are some VERY SMART people here at bc.

The disk sent with the computer (by owner) is the Vista Home Premium 32bit Operation System disc that states "WARNING: this process erases all data and files from the hard drive". For fear is wiping out this pc and starting from scratch...I'd rather not chance it.

I've been reading about SFC.EXE /SCANNOW.....I tried it....but there's nothing that happens...either on this pc or on my own (which is also a new Gateway pc..that's 5 months old, and also running Vista Home Premium...but 64bit).

I'm about to throw in the towel on this one, as nothing I try works.

Without the use of explorer....all tasks are near impossible.

ok...there's some gooofy looking files running in task manager. With all the jibberish abbreviations how can one tell if it's a safe program or not?

I ran across a post that had something listed about what was safe and what wasn't.....tried to find it again...but I think I'm on tilt-mode after trouble shooting all day.

IS THERE NO ONE HERE WHO CAN HELP?

Question,

Could 'ComboFix' work to fix a problem with the 'Windows Explorer'?

Worth mentioning: There's also msgs that pop up on this Vista machine ... 1. There is a problem with PC Confidential and the program is closing. 2. WSSHelper is closing. Could these be related to the problem with windows explorer not being able to work?

Still seeking answers from anyone who can help. PLEASE
Thanks so much,
Cherps

hello cherps

combo fixSHOULD NOT BE USEDunless advised by a trained profesional (or something like that) its a very powerful tool.

anyways if you open task manager. click file (top left) type C: does explorer open ? if you type control panel. does it open?

mine does for both sorry if you have already tried that. im hopeing someone will jump in with some better suggestions !!!

hope this helps

You need to post a new topic with a short description of your problem in our Am I Infected? forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum103.html

keny1111111 was correct in warning you about Combofix
It can possibly hose your system if done wrong
If you run it on your own and screw up, you'll be on your own to fix it