BleepingComputer.com: explorer.exe won't boot after logging in

Hi Everyone.

I have been patiently trying to work on this for about 6 hours straight now and finally decided to post here. I'm desperate for a permanent solution to this...When I logon to my account, my desktop background appears but nothing else. I can load task manager, however starting a new task with "explorer.exe" does not work. The ONLY way I'm able to access explorer is if I run msconfig, and then through the "tools" tab select something--then erase the address bar, type in "c:", and double click "explorer.exe". That DOES work, but needless to say I'd rather not do this every time I want to use my computer.

When using safemode, everything works normally. So far I have tried a myriad of steps which I have found in various forums including this one. I have checked the registry, assuring that winlogon, uihost, and the shell (explorer.exe) are all in order. I have tried chkdsk, run avg and malwarebyte all with no positive results for viruses or malware. I am simply stumped, and nothing else has worked. In fact, everything has basically led my in circles.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...I am running Home Basic verson 6 service pack II.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to give this a whirl!

Someone has to have some ideas or suggestions? Anyone? Bueler? Bueler?

hello moovguy16

looks like your stuck with me.LOL (really thats suppost to be funny)

in msconfig (general tab) is normal startup selected? if not...select it and see if this helps. if this helps.....try this, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796

good luck and keep us posted!!