BleepingComputer.com: Lost desktop

I was told to re-post here instead of the XP forum, although I am not aware of any virus. Topic referenced is here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic394571.html ~ OB My computer has just stopped working and I thought it was an XP Pro problem. I can't seem to carry out any of the actions suggested by the preparation guide - the computer just hangs, even in Safe Mode. I can't download anything. I thought I would re-install from the XP disc, but I was hoping someone could tell me how to hang on to my emails and email addresses if I reinstall.

Firefox started hanging on me yesterday so I rebooted. I don’t know what went wrong but it would only go as far as a blue welcome screen.

I have tried going back to 2 system restore points and although they have taken be beyond the welcome screen I only get my wallpaper – no icons, no start button, no taskbars.

After a restore it says a file was fixed or an earlier version used - but I still only get wallpaper - no desktop.

Sometimes I have been able to get task manager but when I try to run from ‘create a new task’, it just hangs with the timer and I can’t even type in ‘explorer.exe’ to see if that will help.

Even in safe mode I get a message straightaway that “Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close.” If I try to close that message, it just refreshes the safe mode desktop and gives me the same ‘encountered a problem’ message and I am stuck in a loop. If I get out of the loop in Safe Mode, nothing works: clicking on icons or the start button does nothing.

The error signature
Event Type: InPageError P1 : c 000009c P2 : 00000003

C:\ DOCUME~1\Brian\Locals~1\Temp\WER31d.dir00\explorer.exe.mdmp
C:\ DOCUME~1\Brian\Locals~1\Temp\WER31d.dir00\appcompat.txt

As far as I'm aware, I had no virus - my paid-for avg is up to date.

I’ve got everything critical backed up – except some emails and email addresses.

Is there any way I can re-install XP without losing my emails and addresses? I'm feeling a bit lost without being able to do anything in safe mode

Thanks in anticipation for your help.

This post has been edited by Orange Blossom: 01 May 2011 - 02:20 PM

Close this one please.

Hardware problem, not virus. I bought a new hard drive.

Hello

Thank you for letting us know. I'm glad that your computer problems have been fixed. Since this issue seems to be resolved, this thread will now be closed.

In case you experience any problems with the computer, please start a new topic.

Happy computing,

Orange Blossom