BleepingComputer.com: No desktop icons at start-up windows XP

Hi, when starting my computer, I just get a desktop with no icons or start menu. I have to ctrl alt delete to get into task manager. I heard that typing in explorer.exe would solve, but my computer states; windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. Whats wrong?

can you go into safe mode ?

I tried Safe mode and it is the same, no icons or start menu.

Have you tried accessing System Restore and/or Last Known Good Configuration as boot options?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/

Louis

Tried the safe mode again and last known good config. Still wont add icons or start menu to desktop.

This post has been edited by rebuz: 02 October 2009 - 11:07 AM

To access system restore (hopefully you won't get an error)

Open up task manager.
Applications tab, New Task.
Type in Restore.
If this works the way it should, the Restore folder will open.
Look for the rstrui icon, a computer with a clock and arrow on it.
Click the icon, pick a restore point just prior to when the problem started. Follow the prompts.
Your system will reboot. After it reboots, you will find out if the restore was successful, and if it was, if your desktop is restored.

If that doesn't work, go back to task manager, New Task, type in iexplore.exe.
That should bring up the internet.
Go to http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm, scroll down to number 195, choose Restore Desktop Icons and Taskbar. Install the registry fix, reboot, and see if it gets everything back.

This post has been edited by Queen-Evie: 02 October 2009 - 11:37 AM

Got this ERROR when I tried the task manager app. tab restore; - Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

also the icon for MY COMPUTER is just a white paper file, not a computer image.

This post has been edited by rebuz: 02 October 2009 - 02:30 PM

Try this.
How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP

Then try the above steps.

This step involves making changes in the registry. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Go to Start » Run and type: regedit
Click OK.
On the left side, click to highlight My Computer at the top.
Go up to File » Export
Make sure in that window there is a tick next to "All" under Export Branch.
Leave the "Save As Type" as "Registration Files".
Under "Filename" put RegBackup.
Choose to save it to C:\
Click save and then go to File » Exit.

Or you can download and use ERUNTwhich is an excellent free tool that allows you to to take a snapshot (backup) of your registry before making changes and restore it when needed.


Or Since you have a desktop without icons, first of all, do below

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del) and go to File >> New Task (Run...) >> type explorer.exe >> Enter


Then, do a search for your explorer.exe via your search function..

You may find the copy of explorer.exe via either of below locations..

C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\explorer.exe

Just choose either one of them and copy/paste it to C:\WINDOWS folder..

Ok , I backed up the registry then found an explore.exe in C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386\explorer.exe, I then added it to C:\WINDOWS folder. I shut down the computer from task manager and restarted the computer, but still no icons on desktop or start menu. Help.

Are there any other user accounts on your computer? If so, can you access another users desktop and try system restore from that desktop?

From TM, File, New Task and enter:

c:\windows

The c:\windows folder will open.

Does explorer.exe launch when you double click it revealing your desktop?

all of these are wrong... i had the exact same problem and after weeks of research i figured out the problem...heres exactly what you need to do.DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANYTHING... all of these suggestions are wrong.. you simply just need to rename your explorer file. and yes it is that simple... it sounds crazy but trust me it works..just name it EXPLORER2 or sumthing it doesnt matter.
1. Run your task manager
2.Click new task at the bottom
3.Browse
4.My Computer
5.Local Disk (C:) [or whatever yours is]
6.WINDOWS
7.Then scroll to the right and even though it is not in alphabetical order The explorer file will be there with an icon that looks like a computer next to it.
8.Right click that and rename it to Explorer2 or anything you want.
TADA yes when i did it and realised it was that simple i was pissed off to....

Jose, I tried TM, file, new task and c:\windows, then got error :

Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

queen-Evie when this happens to your computer your restore files corrupt and there is no restore point to select previous to the time it happened.