Explorer.exe not loading

This may be malware, or just windows, I don't know.
I start vista on my computer as usual, select me as the user, and my screen is blank w/ only a mouse pointer showing. I'll hit ctrl+alt+del and open task manager, then run explorer.exe, and then my vista runs fine. This problem happens in normal and safe mode, for both users. Any ideas???
I had been running adaware, but it didn't see anything, so I used TrendMicro's Housecall and it picked up a trojan (I don't remember the name though). However, I still have the same steps to repeat to get to explorer.exe. I have been scratching my head for about a week now trying to figure this out, and I'm stumped. Please help!


Thanks!

 

Hi JaDo, welcome to Majorgeeks

Using regedit, check that Explorer is set to load from HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell and also check that AutoRestartShell has a value of 1.

 

I saw someone else had posted something regarding their explorer not working in the malware forums. They used MalwareBytes anti-malware. I tried this thing and it worked like a charm.

Previously, I have used ad aware, windows defender, hijackThis, HouseCall, Norton internet security - all to no avail.

After running malwarebytes on my system, I rebooted and it worked like a charm, however, the explorer window popped up. I think it is because I put explorer in the startup directories, and went into TweakNow regcleaner and added explorer into startup. I think i have a new tool in my utility belt.
thanks again