XP Startup Hang - Wallpaper only, no taskbar or icons

[sageturkey]

I have a PC running XP home that won't complete startup, safe mode has the same problem. I can get to a command prompt or task manager, but that's it.
It's an HP with a recovery partition, I'm trying to avoid having to recover XP as I'll have to go grab the disks from the guy. Any tips on getting XP up again by doing something similar to shell=progman.exe in Win98?

Thanks!

 

[search66]

If you can get to task manager, try:

-> file
-> run

Type: explorer

hit enter... If this doesn't load your desktop, you will have to reinstall.

 

[sageturkey]

Thanks Search, tried that and got "There is no program associated" error.

Headed towards a restore...

 

[search66]

In the field where you can open/run a file it tells you that?

Cripes.

I've seen this problem dozens of times, and typing: explorer there has always worked.

Maybe try: explorer.exe

 

[bcastner]

Do a keyword search here, "desktop" and click to search thread topics.

I suspect a little reading will avoid having to do a complete reinstall.

 

[linney]

What access to run programs do you have?

You could try the System File Checker from Command Prompt or Task Manager by typing SFC /Scannow.

Malware such as wininfo.exe can cause this type of error.

Maybe you have the ability to run some anti spyware programs or virus scanner from within Task Manager.