Windows cannot find c:\windows\explorer.exe

My daughter recently incurred this problem on her machine.
When you boot up her computer and the desktop loads, only the wall paper comes up.
None of her icons nor the start menu are loaded, and that's as far as it goes.
I am able to access the task manager by giving it the 3 finger salute, which I did.
Under processes I noticed that explorer.exe was not running.
So I tried to start it by starting a new task.
I typed in c:\windows\explorer.exe, and I get the response windows cannot find c:\windows\explorer.exe
It is there, I checked!
I have tried running the last known good configuration from the advanced options window.
Also I have tried running the windows restore, neither of these worked.

Is there any way I can restore windows explorer without totally reinstalling the OS?

 

Yes, these methods:

chkdsk: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265/en-us
scannow: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747/en-us
Windows Live OneCare Safty Scanner - free online: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

But really - the question is: what killed explorer? I think you need to run the modern computes worlds most recommended tools namely, SAS & MBAM. Download, install, update and run full scans:

MBAM: http://majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html
SAS: http://majorgeeks.com/SUPERAntiSpyware_d5116.html

Also: what security programs are you running? This could be a result of incompatible software...

 

Check that you firewall haven't blocked explorer. Has been known to happen...

 

OK, I've done what you asked.

First I ran chkdsk with the /f perameter, it did find some errors and fixed them
Then I ran sfc /scannow, after running for a while it asked for the windows xp professenal service pack 3 cd. I did place it in the drive, but for some reason it kept telling me it was the wrong disk. I then had to cancel the scan.

I then donwloaded, updated and ran the Malwarebytes and the SuperAntiSpyware apps.
Each of them found a number of variants and removed them

Log files attached

I checked to see if the firewall was blocking explorer.exe, it was not.
The McAfee Security Center, provided by Comcast is installed, and has been running just fine
since the installation.
I rebooted after each scan, but still unable to get the desktop to come up.

 

You only see the wallpaper? Right click on the wallpaper. In the little menu select Arrange icons. Then select Show icons on desktop.

SAS and MBAM did a fine job. No need to worry any longer.

CCleaner could help a little bit with some extra and final cleanup. Also run the registry cleaner inside it: http://majorgeeks.com/download4191.html

 

On second thoughts - upload the logs here: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

 

Unable to post logs to: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

The thread is closed

Yes the wallpaper does come up, but that's it!
I cannot right click anywhere on the screen and get a menu!
I'ts like the right click function is turned off.

I will try the CCleaner in the morning.

 

Well, you were supposed to go over the guide. In the end it will take you the the right forum. You already have most of the logs so it not much work. :cool The SAS and MBAM logs shows that you really did have a lot of problems inside that PC.

 

use the taskman run bar and type msconfig


click on "launch system restore" and restore to a working point

it pretty much sounds like you might wanna back all her non replaceable data and just format the system


and RE; the sfc /scannow thats not gonna work with the disk that came with the pc you will need a copy that has been slip streamed with sp3 ( Microsoft HAS never and NEVER will make a Xp disk with sp3 already on it )

 

I ran the CCleaner it did delete/remove a number of items off of the machine,
but it still isn't able to run eplorer.exe

I tried running the restore, went back 2 months, but it still doesn't work.

Is there anything else I might try?

Trying desperately NOT to have to reformat and start fresh

 

you can goggle for a "version correct" copy of explorer.exe or get one from another sp3 machine or off a sp3 disk

 

I understand what you are saying, but how would I copy it to the folder when windows explorer won't run at all???

 

KAPLA!!!!!

It's fixed!!

I googleded download explorer.exe and found this article -

http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-9082-explorer-exe-corrupted-or-infected

and found these instructions and followed them ...

Here's how to fix this issue:

1. CTRL-Alt-Del to bring up Task Manager.
2. Click File | New Task(run).
3. Type regedit in the Run box and click OK.
4. Browse to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution.options

5. Under this key there will be subkeys named explorer.exe and iexplorer.exe. Delete the explorer and iexplorer keys entirely. They should not be listed under the Image File Execution.Options key.
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Restart the computer.

Assuming no other viruses / adware / spyware / malware are interfering, the Windows desktop should load fine now.

Thanks to Aur computer service.
Originally post by 2/9/06: SmitRem

It fixed the problem.
My daughter is back up and running and no longer bugging me to fix her computer :-D:-D:-D:-D:-D

 

Thank you, for all of your help!!!