How do I get the icons, start button, and task bar back on my desktop?

Question

Yesterday, I thought I was downloading and installing an update to my Windows XP, when in fact, I downloaded & installed XP Antivirus (malware). BIG MISTAKE! Today, I am fighting my way through uninstalling XP anti virus. Here's the problem: it is really hard to navigate my computer because I have nothing on my desktop but a picture. No start button to click, no icons, no task bar, nothing. How do I get those back. Please don't tell me to click on the start button and go to such & such. I CAN'T CLICK ON THE START BUTTON. I HAVE NO START BUTTON. And if I try to use the start key next to my alt key, nothing happens. How do I restore to before yesterday if I can't navigate?

Answer 1

You sound pretty savvy. I rarely paste instructions from a site, but i will this time since you may not be able to go to the source. Windows is (almost) always available on the HD. You need a file called winnt32.exe. Here's how. (These instructions come from WikiHow.com, Computers and Elect, OS, Windows, XP...a GREAT resource.





1. Understand that after a while your computer will start to slow down, freeze and sometimes not even shut down correctly. These symptoms are perfectly normal for Microsoft Windows operating systems that require a clean, fresh start. But sometimes manufacturers do not include a copy of the operating system on a disk to save you money when purchasing your computer and ultimately save them money too.

2. Access the copy of the operating system on the hard drive. If manufacturers do not supply a Windows XP CD with the purchase of your new computer, they have most definitely stored a copy in your hard drive for later use. You can easily access this copy of the CD on your hard drive to completely reinstall or format partitions on your computer.

3. Back up your personal data including photos, pictures, documents, favorites, passwords and settings to CD/DVD/USB.

4. Make sure you have your Windows product key/serial number. This could be located on the computer itself, or in the original packaging it was supplied with. If you do not have one, look in the registry or contact your manufacturer immediately for more support regarding the issue.

5. Click on My Computer then C: then i386. This is the a part where a lot of people get confused. They realize that a copy of their Windows XP CD is here, but they look for the wrong files. Most people will try to find a file named "Setup", "Install", or "Windows". The file you are looking for is called "winnt32.exe".

6. Open this application and proceed with the instructions given. It will lead you through 5 simple phases that will wipe out your computer and reinstall the operating system.

7. Get your product key ready to enter it. Make sure you agree with the terms that should be provided when using the winnt32.exe application.

8. If you are using any operating system below Windows 2000 or Me, try looking for the winnt.exe application as the winnt32.exe application may not be availible for your version of the Windows OS in the I386 folder. Winnt.exe uses a command driven interface, and therefore requires simple commands to use to reinstall Windows or format partitions. You can find these simple commands here

Answer 2

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.pcboostcleaner.com



It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Answer 3

Right click the bottom of the screen and select show desktop. HOpe this helps.

Answer 4

Badly, it seen Antivirus2008 software cause the syptom...try to figure out the virus 1st

Answer 5

have you tried starting up in safe mode first?