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Geek Culture / Weird problem with Windows

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Antidote
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Location: San Francisco, CA
Posted: 29th Oct 2005 18:44
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I am having this odd problem with my computer where I turn it on, log in and then the desktop never loads. The background image loads up but the rest of the screen doesn't. Everything is perfectly normal except for that. It was working fine last night, I turned off my computer, woke up, turned it on and it never loaded. My screen saver loaded so it's not like some crazy memory erasing thing. The last thing I downloaded was some windows updates. Any thoughts? Please help, I have to use my Dad's computer to post here.


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John Y
Synergy Editor Developer
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 18:53
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Do Ctrl+alt+del and then click File>New Task and type explore.exe. It will brind up the start menu so you can fix your computer


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Antidote
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 19:05 Edited at: 29th Oct 2005 19:12
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Thanks. Do you know i there is an executable that sets up the desktop? If so do you know the name?

Also, I really don't know what to do to fix the computer from explorer. Unless I can figure out what the problem is or even what might have caused it i'm on a wild goose chase. Any thoughts?


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SageTech
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 19:45
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Would seem logical that the update you downloaded didnt quite do well with your computer, if you have a restore to an earlier time feature, id use it. If not, and you cant find out how to fix it, im afraid youll have to wipe it completly.

If you're so smart, why are you reading my post?
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Antidote
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 19:57
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Where can I start a system restore. I can't find it on the control panel.


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Me!
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 20:51 Edited at: 29th Oct 2005 20:52
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for xp, "start/help/pick a task"

and its the third task down, you might just like to boot into safe mode and work out whats messing up windows by turning off all the boot things one at a time, normaly it`s something the taskbar is loading that goes ga-ga!



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Antidote
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 21:16 Edited at: 29th Oct 2005 21:17
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The problem is, is that I can't access the start menu. When I say the entire desktop doesn't load, I mean the entire desktop doesn't load. Not even the taskbar. I have to create a new task of firefox in order to get to the internet.

How do you boot in safemode. I tried pressing f8 but it just came up with a bunch of drivers that i could select one to start with.


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Me!
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Posted: 29th Oct 2005 22:19 Edited at: 29th Oct 2005 22:24
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wait for the system bios test, then the instant it starts to acess the HD (or just before it does) hit F8 repeatedly, some bios/mobo makers annoyingly use F8 for other things, so watch the message at the bottom of the screen just in case, sometimes the timing is critical and you need to try again, you then get a screen with several options, select boot in safe mode then try to remove the last update from the system restore window, if you have the system disk and have the DVD drive set for boot before the HD in the bios then you could try using that, I think if you have a system installed you get the same option screen I just mentioned when it boots up.



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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 00:45
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I'm still not having any luck. No matter how many time I press f8 there is no way for me to start in safe mode.


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Killswitch
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Location: School damnit!! Let me go!! PLEASE!!!
Posted: 30th Oct 2005 01:20
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Try F9.

~It's a common mistake to make, the rules of the English langauge do not apply to insanity~
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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 01:39 Edited at: 30th Oct 2005 01:46
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No that doesn't do anything.

Also I am sure that the only fix wlll be to run a system restore. If someone could tell me how to do this without a start menu that would be appreciated.


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D I G I T A L
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 02:22
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i once had a situation like that. i inserted my windows xp cd and made a system restore. everything went back to normal.
but then if restoring isnt good enough. i would format it. id just take the HD and plug it on another PC and make a backup of all the data. and then format the C: thats a 100% solution if u run out of solutions.

Plug 'n Pray

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 10:54
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Maybe if you shut down explorer first, I'm having a similar problem, and similar to what John Y said,
ctrl+alt+del processes-> explorer.exe -> End Process->New Task->type explorer.exe->Okay. You can use the processes option to close crashed programs almost instantly, be careful using it because you might end a process you don't want to end

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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 14:45
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What directory is the start menu in?


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David T
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 15:12
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C:/Docs and Settings/Username/Start Menu isn't it?

It's been ages since I've had to access it.

"A book. If u know something why cant u make a kool game or prog.
come on now. A book. I hate books. book is stupid. I know that I need codes but I dont know the codes"
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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 16:16
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That is it but I can't find system restore. Does anyone know the directory for system restore?


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re faze
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 17:14
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root drive\system volume information

I need someone intelligent to talk to me about my problems too...
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David R
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 17:33
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C:\Windows\System32\restore\rstrui.exe is the app you need to run


See details at http://lightningstudios.95mb.com/sig/buildDetails.txt
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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 17:58
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Thanks. Maybe I can resolve the problem at last!


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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 21:24
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One other question. If I saved any data after the last restore point was set and I run a system restore will it erase any data done after the restore point?


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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 21:44
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better question, what does system restore do, updsides downsides etc, what I lose? I mean, I still have my problem, and well I might as well use this tip as well, I have a lot of stuff I don't want to lose

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David R
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 21:55 Edited at: 30th Oct 2005 21:55
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System restore only makes alterations to SYSTEM files - windows and system32. It Shouldn't erase documents (although it occasionally uninstall programs if they make large enough changes to the system)

BEWARE - system restore *sometimes* removes recently installed drivers.Make sure no apps try and access devices after their drivers have been uninstalled - you'll get a happy little BSOD most of the time


See details at http://lightningstudios.95mb.com/sig/buildDetails.txt
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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 22:36
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Ok thanks. I think I'm gonna risk a system restore.


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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 22:54
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That did not help. Anyone have any other suggestions? Please help, I'm able to work on my computer using the task manager, but I'd rather have my desktop back.


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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 23:24
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Quote: "ctrl+alt+del processes-> explorer.exe -> End Process->New Task->type explorer.exe->Okay"
This is what I said, and it restores my desktop, but keeps on happening, you should just run your PC via task manager. It may appear we have caught the same prob...so who's on your msn need to pin the blame on someone

I'll try that system restore

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Antidote
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Posted: 30th Oct 2005 23:32
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So when you start windows and log in explore.exe is already in the processes menu? That doesn't happen here. I really hope someone can find the solution because running through task manager is a real pain in the ASCII.


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bitJericho
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 00:10
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Quote: "Would seem logical that the update you downloaded didnt quite do well with your computer, if you have a restore to an earlier time feature, id use it. If not, and you cant find out how to fix it, im afraid youll have to wipe it completly."


OH GOD NO!! Don't use system restore, that's your last and final option before a full reformat!

What you have to do is -uninstall- your updates you did!

What I would do is uninstall all of them one at a time until it works again. Write down all the updates you did, so you know which one caused the problem and don't install that one. Or if you want to, install it last, and if it buggers your system up again, uninstall it.

Here's how you can do it (in winxp):

-- Cntl-alt-del > task manager
-- File > Create New Task (run)
-- Type in:
control
-- Hit enter.
Add / Remove Programs


Yarr join teh New and Improved LoGD!
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Antidote
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 01:28
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Still didn't help. I have no idea what's going on so I think my best bet would to back up all my files on my backup harddrive and reinstall windows. Either that or live through the task manager.


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D I G I T A L
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 01:32
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belive me. its a little bother to do it. but you'll rest from it.

Plug 'n Pray

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Lukas W
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 10:55
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has anyone experienced this?:

* turn the computer on
* welcome screen appear. (choose username)
* there is no username to choose

that is WEIRD. even if i start in VGA mode, or eh "sikkerhets modus" hmm i dont know what it is called on the english OS's.. i cant log in.

i had to re-install windows, and when i did so, and looked through the computer, i noticed my old login account was still there

ps. look at my sig!! hehe

new domain: http://lukasw.com - ZombieHunter - This is a map editor
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Benjamin
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 11:04
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Quote: ""sikkerhets modus""

Safe mode?

Tempest - P2P UDP Multiplayer Plugin - 45% - Integration is going well!
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blanky
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 11:18 Edited at: 31st Oct 2005 11:18
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Bah. Your problem as I see it, Antidote, is that for some reason your computer is refusing to start explorer.exe after login like it should be.

In the 'Processes' list, has everything else started? Any firewalls or background services? (Because if so, you could probably get away with sticking a shortcut to explorer.exe in some startup location...)

Also, your *real* problem is somewhere or other there's an option in the registry to change what you use as your desktop (anybody remember the old RM school login tool?) that should be set to explorer.exe, and might've got changed by something.
You could have some really harsh virus, or spyware, btw

[edit.. The option is 'Shell'something, I think... I CNA'T REMBUMER!!!!!!!111oneoneone2etc.]
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Lukas W
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 11:31
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benjamin,
yeah lol

antidote,
have you tried to boot up from your windows cd?
you can choose to repair windows from there.. i have never tried that myself so i dont know what it will repair though

new domain: http://lukasw.com - ZombieHunter - This is a map editor
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David R
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 13:05
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Nah, the repair thing is useless


See details at http://lightningstudios.95mb.com/sig/buildDetails.txt
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Antidote
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Posted: 31st Oct 2005 13:05
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All the normal processes run except explorer.exe

Anyone have a suggestion where I should put explorer so it runs on boot?


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SirFire
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Posted: 1st Nov 2005 01:14 Edited at: 1st Nov 2005 01:18
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Regedit:

[EDIT]Disclaimer: Monkeying with your registry can cause serious problems with your computer. Perhaps even more serious than the one you are having. Use my advice at your own risk.[/EDIT]

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