Where is my Desktop

[Chillydog]

I'm using WIN2k, I had a virus and now I cannot see my desktop. To access my computer I need to use the Alt/Ctrl/Del keys to get to the task manager. I do not know how to find my files this way, can someone please help. How do I get my desktop back?

[hypnotizeminds]

Welcome, Chillydog. :)

Control+Alt+Del, select File > Run (New task..) and type EXPLORER and hit Enter. Does your desktop come up then?

[Chillydog]

No, I get an error message, cannot find the file explorer,or it's components.

[Mosaic1]

Hi Chillydog,

Press CTRL + ALT +DEL to start Task Manager.

Click the Applications tab and then click the new task button.

Type regedit.exe into the box when it pops up and press ok.

This is going to start registry editor.
Navigate to this key: (The registry left pane is a tree just like Windows Explorer is a tree. Clicking the + in front of each successive key will open the branch until you reach the final destination.)


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe

Right click on explorer.exe in the left pane and click on Delete from the menu.

Then go down to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Iexplore.exe

Highlight Iexplore.exe in the left pane and look in the right pane for this Value:

Debugger

Right click on Debugger in the right pane and click Delete from the menu.

Close the registry.

Back in task manager, click the New Task Button again.

Type Explorer.exe and click ok.

See if this does the trick. Then do post a hijackthis log. I suspect we'll have some more to do.

[NLB2]

I have the same problem using Windows XP.
I followed all of your steps, except there is no iexplorer.exe!
Please help. Thanks a lot.

[Mosaic1]

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\Iexplore.exe


Iexplore.exe not IExplorer.exe




Did you find the other key?


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\explorer.exe

[Mosaic1]

NLB2 ,

There are other possibilities too. As a test, boot into Safe Mode and see if you have your desktop. If not, you may be missing any number of files.

One particular malware lately manages to corrupt Wininet.dll

[eMAGiNe]

im also having problems with this and i tried your method but i cannot find Iexplorer.exe nor can I find explorer.exe

help >.<?

[larrybass]

Scary but I'm having exactly the same problem and I also have NO Iexplorer.exe and No explorer.exe either in the Regedit windowpane! Man, what could be happenin' here? Please, someone help us figure this out...

lb

[larrybass]

This is pretty sad folks! Nobody can solve this little problem that has affected a few of us here, so nobody says anything... Ya, that's the way to fix something, ignore it, maybe it will go away. Well four or five of us will have to go away so I guess this forum is about as helpful as a kick in the bag!

Thanx for nothing anyway though, experts! :-(

Signed,

very disillusioned.

[Mosaic1]

Digging up a 2 year old thread and posting to it is the reason why you got no response.

Anyone in need of help other than the original Poster, should start his own new topic. Otherwise, since this appears to be a work in progress, it gets passed by.

Things get very confusing when new posters tag their questions onto other people's topics.

Forums Staff are all volunteer and are limited. If you would start your own topic, you'll have better luck.

[Snurfen]

Very well put, mosaic1. :thumbsup: Starting a new thread brings it to the forefront and therefore increases the chances of a valid resolution.