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6881
October 21st, 2004 17:00
Desktop, Start menu missing
Desktop, Start menu missing
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When I start up my computer, all that comes up is the wallpaper. I have been able to get into the safe mode through task manager (i have windows XP home). I have tried system restore twice. I went back as far as I can and when it reboots no desktop or start menu. I can access most of my programs through the task manager. Dell support has told me I need to perform a repair Reinstall. I am lost, as now I would have to back up (no I haven't done this before now and I know this wasn't smart!). I am a complete novice and am over my head. Any suggestions on how to fix this or maybe why it happened would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Options
When I start up my computer, all that comes up is the wallpaper. I have been able to get into the safe mode through task manager (i have windows XP home). I have tried system restore twice. I went back as far as I can and when it reboots no desktop or start menu. I can access most of my programs through the task manager. Dell support has told me I need to perform a repair Reinstall. I am lost, as now I would have to back up (no I haven't done this before now and I know this wasn't smart!). I am a complete novice and am over my head. Any suggestions on how to fix this or maybe why it happened would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
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JD Scot
115 Posts
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October 21st, 2004 18:00
hayrikki
3 Posts
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October 21st, 2004 18:00
Denny Denham
2 Intern
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18.8K Posts
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October 21st, 2004 20:00
A Repair Reinstall should not disturb your data. Instructions for doing one are here. Your data will be intact but you will need to update the Windows Critical Updates after the installation is completed.
hayrikki
3 Posts
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October 21st, 2004 21:00
JohnK324
317 Posts
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October 21st, 2004 21:00
hayrikki,
Read all of Denny's link. Here is what a Dell moderator wrote. A Repair Reinstall will delete all of the files normally installed by Windows XP and reinstall those files from the Windows XP CD. A Repair Reinstall will not completely rebuild the registry, only writes to parts of the registry used by Windows XP. It will not delete applications, and user settings. All applications should remain functional, and all user settings should remain the way they were.
Please note the word should. As a personal experience, I did a repair reinstall and only had to reinstall Outlook. All other applications were intact.