Laptop Issue/Problem

dartilov

Hi

I am encountering a problem with a laptop, rather stupidly i deleted a program called Bonjour (Apple itunes related I know believe) and ever since then these problems.

Laptop boots up and after I enter the login/ password (I am the only one that uses it and the account has administrator rights on it) but I just get the desktop with no icons and taskbar.

When I hit Ctrl+Alt+Del I get the task manager, go to new task and type in explorer.exe but nothing seems to happen. Incidentally, I have noticed that even though I have logged in I am not down as a user.(User tab)

I cannot use system restore nor can I go into safe mode and restore that way, as it says it is turned off.

I tried a reinstall of a program I thought the culprit, bonjour.exe, from USB but it won't let install me as it says I don't have the correct rights.

Certain programs are not working, no wireless connection for example - almost like it is some sort of diagnostic mode.

All my data would appear to be intact and have ran MS essentials and Malware Antibytes with no instances of viruses etc.

I am using XP SP3.

Any further help would be most appreciated, and fairly basic if possible as I am not an expert by any stretch.

Thanks in advance

jaydeeuk1

I think its just coincidence. I know Apple software is sh*t, but I doubt removing it would have done the damage you describe to your PC. You obviously have some clue about things, such as knowing about typing explorer in the task bar new process - the fact that no process is started would indicate something more serious is wrong.

Do you still have the XP CD? I'd try doing a system restore using the built in rescue process (after backing up essential files to USB).

Edit - Are you able to access the control panel? ctl alt del, and then click on file-> new task and type 'control' or browse to c:\windows\system32\ and look for control.exe right click and select 'open'.

CoolHotCold

I would try opening command prompt (cmd)
and running
CHKDSK /r/f
or
sfc scannow

Should fix.

Hammyman

Its actually a corrupted registry entry and is easy to solve. The only problem is that its usually a symptom of malware when it does this. The reason is that the malware alters the registry entry to start up explorer.exe so it doesn't start.

Anyway, to get you up and running, boot your computer and faced with the desktop, press CTRL-ALT-DEL to get the Task manager up and run regedit

In regedit navigate to: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon

Look down the list in the right window pane for the word Shell
The data in that line should read Explorer.exe - Remove anything else in that line and reboot and you should be done.
Next is to give the computer a scan with Malwarebytes Antimalware.

dartilov

Thanks for the advice

In reply to Hammyman: I navigate as you directed to find nothing there bar explorer.exe

In reply to CoolHotCold: I am running CHKDISK but could run sfc scannow at the command prompt. Gave me a list of items SFC scannow being number i but couldn't do it - should i have pressed 1?

Installed SuperAntiSpyware and ran a full scan, nothing found.

Hopefully CHKDSK might uncover something.

What happens next if it doesn't?

Thanks

CoolHotCold

Sorry it should of been
Sfc /scannow