explorer.exe does not load at windows startup!

[g4macmaniac]

I shut down my PC normally (after using "google earth"), and the next day, started up, or tried to. Got as far as loading the desktop and icons, but then received an error that "explorer.exe has generated errors and needs to restart" (or something very similar to that), with an "ok" click box. Clicking OK does not reload explorer.exe, but goes into a loop.

I tried running in "safe" mode, but get the exact same error.

I was able to boot using a parallel installation of windows 2000, though. I thought I could fix the problem from there.

Suspecting I had a corrupted explorer.exe file, I copied another explorer.exe from a parallel installation also on same computer (backing up the original one).

Rebooted, but still the same error repeated.

I can back up data files from the disk using the parallel installation, but I want the original installation restored. Is there a good way to safely do this? Can I get some help diagnosing the problem? Thanks.

Forgot to mention also, I do have a full backup, but it is very old, and I would prefer to restore my system, if possible.

[Spider]

Hi g4macmaniac welcome to CyberTechHelp.

What you want to do is an over-top Windows 2000 installation.

Boot to the Windows 2000 CD and go through with a new install. When you get to the part
about "do you want to delete a partition?" you say No, when you get to the part about
"do you want to format a file system?" you say No. Select C: to install to and it will
over-write on top of your old Windows 2000.

You will not lose any personal files or folders you have made.
You will however have to reinstall a few programs that reside in C:\Program Files folder.
You will also have to make a B-line to Windows Update and reinstall all service packs and
critical updates.

Once that's done your ok and still have the old stuff.

[g4macmaniac]

Thanks for the quick reply, Spider! My main concern in doing what you suggest is, my Win2K CD doesn't have any service packs, so I was afraid it would cause problems if anything installed wasn't compatible with the "out of the box" Win2K version I would be over-installing (before having a chance to update using the web).

I did download the SP4 network release update from another computer, so I could just use that (and avoid the long download).

One other thing I didn't mention in the orig post (and it may be really important)... When the error occurred, I noticed a message from BIOS at boot, reporting that my primary hard disk failed the S.M.A.R.T. test (something having to do with HDD performance). I have two IDE HDD's and one SATA disk, and only the primary disk reported this. But this occurred after my BIOS flaked out (bad battery?) and would not even boot to the point where the monitor turned on. Before I chucked the motherboard, I decided to reset the BIOS (using the reset jumper), and that worked (sigh of relief), but the windows error persisted.

At least I haven't lost all data ... yet.

I just purchased a brand new 200GB HDD (to replace the one that's failing SMART), so my plan was... quick fix WINDOWS, then image the entire drive to the new 200GB drive, then have a cup of coffee.

I'm afraid that re-installing windows could degrade things further. So, to be totally safe, I think I'll grab a GHOST image of the disk first, save it to brand-new HDD, then try your suggestion.

How fail-safe is the over-top installation anyway? You mention some programs will not run... do you mean "not run... until all the windows SP's are updated"? I'm unclear on this.

[Spider]

my Win2K CD doesn't have any service packs...I did download the SP4
That's exactly what you do. Make sure the ether cable is unplugged from the modem/router till your SP4'ed.
my primary hard disk failed the S.M.A.R.T.
There is a setting in the BIOS for S.M.A.R.T. disable it.
How fail-safe is the over-top installation anyway? You mention some programs will not run...
do you mean "not run... until all the windows SP's are updated"? I'm unclear on this.
What I mean is say you installed Office...none of the programs in office will boot, the references
they "use to have" in the registry are gone after the over-top. This is why you'll have to reinstall
any program you had previously installed that doesn't boot after the over-top. No biggie, installing
is easy...losing data makes you cry. ;)

[g4macmaniac]

Thanks, Spider! I'll try that if my backup restore doesn't work. I think my backup is about 3 or 4 months old, but otherwise pretty solid, meaning, as long as I can get my updated docs off the computer first, it might be the safest thing to do... I have many many programs that would need re-installing. It would almost make sense to just do a clean re-installation of everything. I'm actually considering that.

Thanks for the tip on the BIOS setting for SMART. Do you suppose the drive actually failed, causing the problem in the first place? It never gave the SMART error before, but it's a Western Digital "cheap" HDD, so.... who knows. I'll just disable the SMART checking in the BIOS and cross my fingers until my data is safe.

Thanks again!

[Spider]

Thanks for the tip on the BIOS setting for SMART. Do you suppose the drive actually failed, causing the problem in the first place?
It is possible the drive may have failed and running a manufacturer test utility
on the drive would be in order. If you can tell me the manufacturer's name I
can point to the utility.

...and, S.M.A.R.T. = stupid ;)

[g4macmaniac]

It's a Western Digital 100GB IDE drive.

Good idea... why didn't I think of running a test utility!

[Spider]

why didn't I think of running a test utility!
Because that's why they pay me the BIG BUCKS! ;)

http://support.wdc.com/download/index.asp

On the left side select your drive and on the right side download Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS (Floppy)

It makes a floppy you boot with to test the drive.