Explorer.exe fails to start even through task manager

Topic title explains it all, for some reason, explorer.exe fails to start even when I try to do it through task manager. An error just pops up saying, "explorer.exe - Unable To Locate Component 'This application has failed to start because (square symbol).dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.'"

This is all after I used windows update (this is a fairly old/backup computer, other good one is in for repairs). I was on the "Windows SP2" update, it kinda failed to do anything towards the end, and it canceled. Related?

I've never known SP2 to cancel itself...no error message?

Louis

I've never known SP2 to cancel itself...no error message?

Louis

I worded it wrong, I canceled the update, the update froze itself.

Now...that's fairly common .

You might take a look at some of these webpages, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls...mp;oq=&aqi=

If you cannot remember where exactly it stopped/hung...you might want to try the install again and write down where the last line onscreen falls. It helps when trying to find a situation that fits your own.

This may help, http://support.microsoft.com/xpsp2getinstall

Louis

Now...that's fairly common .

You might take a look at some of these webpages, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls...mp;oq=&aqi=

If you cannot remember where exactly it stopped/hung...you might want to try the install again and write down where the last line onscreen falls. It helps when trying to find a situation that fits your own.

This may help, http://support.microsoft.com/xpsp2getinstall

Louis

You don't understand, EXPLORER.EXE WILL NOT LOAD

Did you not read the OP?

My problem is still going on. Could I get some real help please?

Hello Ninjapocalypse,

Maybe the following will help. The situation described there may not be exactly the same as your's, but it sounds similar.

"Can't load EXPLORE.EXE!" -- see the last 2 posts in the thread and the thread linked-to in the post by 'insanekiwi':

http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/in...hp/t389006.html

The solution described there involves editing the registry, so if you can, back up the registry first.

Those two don't even show in the registry editor for me. The initial error for this says I am missing a DLL or something.

Ninjapocalypse-

Reboot the computer, and continually tap the F8 button before you see the Wondows XP loading screen. This will bring you the Windows Advanced Options menu.When the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked), and then press ENTER.

Then reinitialize the updates. Hope this helps.

When I do that, the computer won't let me input anything at the login screen. I click it, and my mouse and keyboard functionality both cease.

That happens after you select last known good configuration ?

Fixed my problem, ran windows update for SP2, fixed everything.