Desktop and Start Menu Missing?

Question

I left my computer on with some internet screens up all night the other night and when I restarted my computer the desktop and start menu where missing. I tried right clicking to check properties but when I right click nothing happens. the only thing I can do is press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete to bring up the window task manager. I cant find out any way to fix this. The only way I got on the internet is by going to New Task on the window task manager and typing in a website. Please help me. I can open certain programs by using New Task. but I cant get to Start Menu or Control Panel. Please Help!!

Answer 1

When you do the "new task" try just entering explorer.exe



If that doesn't work, something is wrong with windows explorer or you have some kind of infection.

Answer 2

Start the System Restore tool at a command prompt

1. Restart your computer, and then press F8 during the initial startup to start your computer in Safe Mode with a command prompt.



For additional information about the Safe mode with a command prompt, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

315222 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/) A description of the Safe mode boot options in Windows XP

2. Log on to your computer with an administrator account or with an account that has administrator credentials.

3. Type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore your computer to an earlier state.

Answer 3

You should have a flying window icon on one of the lower left keys on your key board. This key functions the same as clicking the START button on the task bar that you no longer have. This will allow you to connect to System restore, Control Panel, etc... and initiate repairs.

Answer 4

Do 1 thing press ctrl+alt+delete then select new task then type in explorer.exe

Answer 5

Stupid question, but have you tried completely shugging down? Not restarting, but shut down, then power back up.

Answer 6

You broke it. Now you need a new computer. Don't break this one.