Little brother's computer broken. Please help. TRAVESTY!

[Gamefandan]

Alright so my little brother's Windows is currently broken. He can still use it and stuff but there is a huge problem. None of the icons or anything else like that pop up on the desktop. The only thing on the screen is the wallpaper. I'm not even kidding when I say IT'S THE ONLY THING ON THE SCREEN. Nothing on the bottom or any stuff like that.

Currently I have been unable to find out much about the problem, except for the fact that I know that somewhere in the start-up it's not launching explorer.exe

The computer is rather old and is running Windows XP, so it's rather susceptible to viruses. However, scanning the computer with virus protection programs has come up with nothing.

I even went so far as to use the original first time start-up disks to try and fix it, this of course did nothing as well.

I'm desperate, I have no idea what the hell is wrong with this piece of loving stuff. Please help.

Edit: For update, see page two.

Edit Edit: Alright so I did a system restore. Still broken. WHAT DO.

[Ad Bot]

[SpreadsPlague]

my girlfriend has this problem as well. tried giving her this advice and it didn't do anything, but maybe it'll help you.

try going into the task manager and manually launching explorer.exe to see if that fixes anything. try safe mode as well. download malwarebytes and scan for viruses.

just shooting things off the top of my head here .. the computer *is* still usable however you'll have to either

A) actually fix it
or
B) use the task manager to start programs

[UncleNinja]

Sorry if you've already tried this, I couldn't tell.

• Press Control-Alt-Delete
• File>New
• Type "explorer"
• Hit enter

Then you could manually put a link to explorer.exe in his startup programs folder, too, I guess.

EDIT: sorry, SpreadsPlague, I saw the new post notification but I didn't think the poster would say the same thing as me.

[SpreadsPlague]

Sorry if you've already tried this, I couldn't tell.

• Press Control-Alt-Delete
• File>New
• Type "explorer"
• Hit enter

Then you could manually put a link to explorer.exe in his startup programs folder, too, I guess.

fuuuuuu-

try going into the task manager and manually launching explorer.exe

[Gamefandan]

I tried launching explorer manually on multiple occasions. All it does is open that folder that shows you everything on your computer. You know what I mean. loving stuff is handicapped.

[GenaralSkar]

I ended explorer.exe once thinking it was internet explorer. I restarted and my computer was just fine.

[SpreadsPlague]

I tried launching explorer manually on multiple occasions. All it does is open that folder that shows you everything on your computer. You know what I mean. loving stuff is handicapped.

indeed. try a system restore?

To start System Restore using the Command prompt, follow these steps:

   1. Restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in safe mode with a Command prompt.
   2. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe mode with a Command prompt option.
   3. If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the arrow keys to select the appropriate operating system for your computer, and then press ENTER.
   4. Log on as an administrator or with an account that has administrator credentials.
   5. At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
   6. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to a functional state.

[Bloody Mary]

I ended explorer.exe once thinking it was internet explorer. I restarted and my computer was just fine.

You know, you can start explorer without shutting down.

[JD]

I can't give you a complete answer, but I can provide some insight. My ancient desktop that ran WinXP (which was a piece of stuff) had the same issue sometimes. However, it had less than 1GB of RAM, a GPU that had less than 500MB, and stuffty cooling. The fact that it's not running explorer.exe could mean you have a virus; I'm just not knowledgeable to the point that I can tell you exactly what's wrong with it. The fact that you ran the start-up discs points away from the direction that your OS is corrupt.. Once again, maybe a virus.
Did you have antivirus software before this happened? You said that it was susceptible to viruses, but if it's just on the account that you're running XP (doesn't necessarily mean it's a virus in that case), and you did have antivirus software, how updated was it (if you had any?)
Maybe try reformatting with the install disc you were given?

   
The following error or errors occurred while posting this message:
Warning - while you were typing 6 new replies have been posted. You may wish to review your post.
Oh joy.
Edit: Does anyone know how to run the actual windows explorer program from task manager/cmd because I can't find stuff about it online and no computers in my house are currently running XP.

[Gamefandan]

I will try some of these suggestions and post results.

[Kevdude2]

Tell him to stop looking at gay research.

[Hiiro3293]

Did you restart the computer?

[JD]

I will try some of these suggestions and post results.

This might help. Might not. Have you tried executing the explorer.exe (for Windows Explorer) from the explorer.exe that opens (in other words, the browsing explorer) by going into the C:/Windows/ folder and running it from there? Stupid enough to work, maybe.

[Kevdude2]

Did you move the mouse?

[SpreadsPlague]

"hello, tech support? yeah I have a problem with my computer.."

Did you restart the computer?

to which the answer is always a resounding "yes..." followed by "why did I bother calling again?"