All desktop icons, files and shortcuts are missing from the desktop after login. All that is visible is the wallpaper. there is no taskbar. there is nothing to select. Right clicking on the desktop does not bring up any menu.
The only thing I can do is to press ctrl alt and delete to bring up the task manager. By selecting new task I can open some applications.
The operating system is Windows XP - Home Edition. Any ideas what may have happened and how I can get these icons back.
My Internet Explorer ran fine, I was able to browse and it did not crash on me. When I was finished I closed Explorer and I still do not have any icons on my desktop.
I originally lost all my icons after I completed a deep file scan using Spyware Doctor. I had a Backdoor Trojan Horse that Norton would not delete. (I did not try the Norton in Safe Mode).
I've also tried going back to a Last Known Good Configuration but that does not work either.
By the way, what is a registry fixing application and how do I get one?
by the sounds of it, you ran ieexplorer.exe not explorer.exe explorer.exe is the main executable in the windows os that allows you to navvigate.
A registry fixing application will scan throughout your registry thoroghly and check for any errors there are there and attempt to fix them. some popular ones are:
RegistryFix
CCleaner
PCResuce
TuneUP Utilities
Advanced Windows Optimizer
I just went and ran explorer.exe and I can navigate through my folders and files. I can even start some of my software, such as MS-Word, etc. But I cannot drag any shortcuts to my desktop.
Should I just go ahead and clean the registry, or do you have any other suggestions for repairing this problem.
