non admin accounts have no explorer bar?

[JANET1979]

hi

ok all user accounts on my stand alone pc do not load the explorer.exe and therefore no control or access to the start menu etc, and there isn't any desktop icons either.

the admin account which i use is perfectly fine.

i've loged in to the user accounts and look at the task manager and the explorer.exe isnt listed and the processor is 99% idle.

any ideas ppl?

 

[LloydSev]

did you have a virus or spyware problem recently?

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[JANET1979]

not that i know of, but i will scan to be sure. but i believe my machine is clean.

 

[linney]

What is the picture like from Safe Mode? Try Safe Mode and at the Welcome Screen (if you use it) press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice to bring up the classic logon box and then logon as a limited user.

In Normal Mode as a limited user, does Ctrl+Alt+Del (once) bring up Task Manager where you can use File/ New Task Run to launch Explorer?

If any of the above work try a process of elimination to isolate the problem.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Microsoft (GIANT Antispyware) Beta available
Thread779-979113

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

There is also the consideration of a corrupted Profile?

811151 - How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811151

Error Message: Windows Cannot Load Your Profile Because It May Be Corrupted (Q318011)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q318/0/11.asp

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[JANET1979]

cheers guys lots of stuff i can try there, hopefully i can take it from here. If not i'll get back to you!

thanks again.