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Explorer :/
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    ELITE
    Shibby posted on Jul 24, 2011 9:54:29 PM - Report post
     
    Hey guys


    So some of you are quite the whizzes at computers, and since google has failed I will ask here...

    I have no ability to run explorer.exe anymore on my laptop which runs Windows XP Pro

    It doesn't start when the computer loads and I log on, I get my desktop background image and nothing else, can run task manager though which is how I've been getting around and been able to post here

    It wont start when I go:
    > task manager
    > new task
    > explorer.exe
    It says "windows cannot find 'explorer.exe'." etc

    I have checked here:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

    And there is no explorer.exe
    (from what I can tell it should be there?)

    And I have attempted two registry fix suggestions already which failed

    Now I am currently backing up all my files which will take around 2-3 hours and after that I will simply reinstall windows

    But if anyone has an idea, I would be happy to try it


    Shibby __/--

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    PHAT CAT
    DABhand posted on Jul 24, 2011 10:13:23 PM - Report post
     
    Sounds dodgey..

    Check these trees in the registry

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>Microsoft>Current Version>Run
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Current Version>Run

    If you have 64bit windows

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>WOW6432node>Microsoft>Current Version>Run
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>WOW6432node>Microsoft>Current Version>Run

    Check for any weird additions, if so could be a virus..

    But you could start a new task and type cmd

    When at the dos prompt use the command sfc /SCANNOW

    Will require your XP disk.
    Oh and Don't forget some tuts on ASM and defeating DMA

    Clicky Here for them
  • Send a message to ArchDuke
    INACTIVE
    ArchDuke posted on Jul 24, 2011 10:14:44 PM - Report post
     
    I don't really know how to solve it, but from what I've read this was/is caused by a virus.

    I googled what you describe and I found this though

    "That worked! As Anonymous recommended, I deleted the "Debugger" registry key from the entry for Explorer, rebooted, and my desktop is now back."

    entire fix post:

    "This issue is usually related to a virus infection. What happened to a client of mine was as follows:

    - System gets infected by virus
    - Antivirus software is installed, including updates
    - Antivirus software runs, cleans out several infected files
    - At next boot, Windows shell does not run
    - When in Task Manager (started by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL), when choosing File, Run and entering explorer.exe, error message "Windows cannot find explorer.exe".
    - If you open a DOS prompt and browse to C:\WINDOWS and do DIR EX*., explorer.exe shows up. You can rename the file, delete the file, etc.; the file is clearly there.
    - If you try to replace explorer.exe with a copy from a Windows installation CD, you still get "Windows cannot find explorer.exe"

    The registry entry HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows NT/Current Version/Image File Execution Options/explorer.exe has a key similar to "Debugger" with value similar to "C:\Windows\Infected.exe".

    The antivirus software has successfully removed Infected.exe, but it has not done anything to remedy the registry entry created by the virus; it is this registry entry that is causing Windows not to be able to run explorer.exe, and unfortunately the Windows error message is not really accurate.

    The solution then is to remove the "Debugger" registry key. Then, explorer.exe has no restrictions when you attempt to run it; after you do this, reboot, and you should find that the system is back to normal (assuming there are no other registry entries that have been altered, or other viruses on the system, etc.)"

    and DABhand beat me to it.


    [Edited by ArchDuke, 7/24/2011 10:15:58 PM]
     
  • Current rank: 4.5 Stars. Next Rank at 20.000 Posts.
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    Shibby posted on Jul 25, 2011 7:30:02 PM - Report post
     
    Thanks guys, tried your suggestions but it was too far gone I think

    I believe it was a virus that got me, I can't see it being anything else

    So Windows XP is now reinstalled, much to my annoyance as now I have to try and remember how to set up my fussy wireless again lol

    So this brings me to another question - Anyone know of a good antivirus thingy? Preferably free
    Shibby __/--

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    JesiahCarver posted on Jul 25, 2011 7:59:36 PM - Report post
     
    I use avast. I believe they have a free version as well.
    --"True evil never dies... Only changes faces"--
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    PHAT CAT
    DABhand posted on Jul 25, 2011 11:02:29 PM - Report post
     
    As I keep telling people there is no 100% protection out there, I have always used AVG and had only 1 problem once but that was years ago with a homebrew virus from a site (an ad banner) which was out of my control.
    Oh and Don't forget some tuts on ASM and defeating DMA

    Clicky Here for them
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    Send a message to Whiskeysoaked
    EVIL GENIUS
    Whiskeysoaked posted on Jul 25, 2011 11:06:42 PM - Report post
     
    Lemme tell you something, the best free AV is Microsoft Security Essential, that really works and the rest FREE softwares suck.



    [Edited by Evanscense, 7/25/2011 11:07:04 PM]
    I listen not to sympathy
    Whilst ruler of this land
    Withdraw your feeble aches and moans
    Or suffer smite from this my hand.
  • Current rank: 4.5 Stars. Next Rank at 20.000 Posts.
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    Shibby posted on Jul 26, 2011 2:12:48 AM - Report post
     
    I know there's no 100% protection, but it doesn't hurt to try and get the best.

    I was using avast before but I think I'll try MS Security Essentials as it seems to be well liked
    Shibby __/--

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