Error loading Explorer.exe

Question

I am running ME on a Dimension 2100.  I turn it on and get a white box that says Error loading Explorer.exe You must reinstall Windows.  I have my disk, I put it in the drive, but if I hit OK the computer shuts off.  If I turn it back on, I just get the message again.  I know this computer is a relic, but I really need it for my son's schoolwork!  Please don't say it is toast!  What do I do?

srtdeagle84 · Answer

Windows ME was one of Microsoft's worse operating systems and ME was flawed in the fact that it had way too many bugs and wasn't very stable. Explorer.exe is a fundamental component to the OS, so once it's messed up, it's time to reinstall Windows. However, I wouldn't recommend installing ME again. Instead, if you have the option of installing Windows XP, I would do so. Windows XP is much more reliable to ME ever was or ever will be. Make sure your system has enough RAM to run XP. Typically, 512mb of RAM should suffice for a decent running XP installation.

jomommie wrote:

I have my disk, I put it in the drive, but if I hit OK the computer shuts off. If I turn it back on, I just get the message again.

In order to fix this issue, you will need to boot to the command prompt using a boot CD or boot floppy. Then run the Windows installer from there, if you are going to use ME (unrecommended). Windows is hosed already and it's just giving you havok. If you have a Windows XP OS CD, you can just place it in the drive, and if your system is set to boot from the CD drive, it will run the OS installer so you can install a fresh copy of Windows. The proper way for changing the boot sequence so your computer boots from a CD is as follows:

Insert a bootable CD into your CD drive.
Restart the system.
When the Dell logo screen appears, press the <Delete> key to enter the System Setup.
Press the <Right Arrow> key to highlight Boot Sequence.
Press the <Down Arrow> key until 1st Boot Device is highlighted.
Press the <Enter> key to display the available boot device.
Using the <Up Arrow> or <Down Arrow> keys to navigate, highlight ATAPI CD-ROM Drive and then press the <Enter> key.
Press the <F10> key to Save and Exit.
When you are prompted to Save changes and exit now, press the <Enter> key.

Your system will now attempt to boot to the CD that is inserted in the CD drive.

I'm not exactly sure of your tech level in regards to computers, but keep in mind a WinXP installation requires you to do various things to get it up and running properly. If you need help with this, follow Microsoft's guide listed here. After you finish your installation, you may need drivers from Dell that support Windows XP. Drivers are software that make the various components of your computer (modem, video adapter, monitor, etc) work or communicate with Windows. For your model, follow this link and enter your Dell service tag (usually on the back or side of your computer) and then select "Download Drivers" and then you can get updated drivers that will work with Windows XP. Sometimes XP will pick up the drivers for you automatically, which is mostly a case by case basis.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll be glad to help.

Message Edited by srtdeagle84 on 10-19-2007 11:20 AM

Message Edited by srtdeagle84 on 10-19-2007 11:20 AM

jomommie · Answer

I did what you said with my Win ME disk.  I don't have XP available and no longer have a modem in this computer as it was eating them for lunch.  I am quite aware of ME's reputation, but can't justify buying XP for such an antique computer either.  My newer laptop didn't come with disks, but I am not sure I would be able to use them anyway.  Your instructions worked exactly as you listed them, however at the end it rebooted itself and had the same error.  I clicked ok and it shut itself off and then I started it again and same error message. But then I turned it on again and saw a screen that I could choose to boot from the Hard drive or CD, so I chose CD.  Now I have a screen that says if you haven't backed up recently, you should consider that.  If it is going to wipe out my son's school program, I would like to save the work he has already done so we don't have to go back and re enter all of that.  I am hesitant to move forward, as I think I will probably just get the error message again and not be able to do anything.   Not sure if any of the rest of this matters, but the 2nd boot is ARMD-FDD, 3rd is IDE-HDD and 4th is Disabled.  I followed the instructions again to double check the CD was the 1st boot and it was.  My tech level is probably not that high, but I am good at following instructions and I appreciate how clear and precise yours were.  I am open to any other ideas you may have. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

srtdeagle84 · Answer

If you reinstall Windows ME, depending on how you install it, it's going to either install over the existing installation, or completely format the hard drive (erase all the data). Usually when a tech does a reinstallation of Windows ME, he/she will format the hard drive, then run the install from the OS CD. I recommend getting your files off your hard drive first, otherwise you might risk losing your data. I'm sorry for not mentioning this before. I also recommend testing your hard drive for any errors or failures. To run some tests, you will need your Dell ResourceCD. If you don't have it, you can download the 32-bit Dell Diagnostics tool from here. You will end up making a floppy disk with these tools on them. Follow the instructions listed on the website provided. For the Dell ResourceCD, follow these instructions:

Insert the ResourceCD in the optical drive, and restart the computer.
Tap the key during startup until the One Time Boot menu appears.

Note: If the One Time Boot menu does not appear, restart the computer and try again.
Press the to highlight Boot from CD, and press .
In the ResourceCD menu, select Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics, and press .
The Dell Diagnostics screen appears

You can run a variety of tests using Dell Diagnostics:

Express/Quick Test
Performs a quick test of devices, which typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires no interaction on your part. This test should typically be performed first because it can often locate the source of a problem quickly.
Extended Test
Performs a thorough check of devices, which takes an hour or more and requires you to answer questions periodically.
Custom Test
Performs a customized test on the components that you select.
Symptom Tree
Allows you to select a test based on the most common symptoms encountered

I suggest you run the Extended Test. This will test all components and let you know of any failures. If you come across any, document them. I can look up any error codes to help you further. I also need to get some more info on how you are reinstalling your OS. Are you using an actual Windows ME OS CD or do you have a Dell CD? If you have a Dell CD, what exactly does it say on it? If it says Dell Restore CD or something similiar, it will restore your OS without running Microsoft's OS install. What it does is use Norton Ghost and restore your computer with a factory image. Getting your computer back up this way is much easier than using a Windows ME OS CD because you don't have to worry about drivers. Let me know this information, and I can better help you. This way, I know what path we should go down.

Above all, you need to test your hardware first using Dell's ResourceCD or 32-bit Dell Diagnostics (obtained on Dell's website using the link I gave earlier). Let me know your results, then tell me your form of installation for ME (MS ME OS CD, or Dell Restore CD)... then we can proceed further.

jomommie · Answer

The CD I have been using says Dell on it.  It is an Operating  System Rinstallation CE WMe.  I tried to install it, but it failed and said 'Setup had trouble copyiong a file. (etc.)'  I tried to make the one from the link, but I can't get the computer to do anything when I put it in the other computer.  Is that one the Resource CD you are talking about?  I have a couple of Drivers and Utilites CDs and an Application CD from DELL too.  I am starting to get lost in the terms.  If I turn it on with out pressing any keys it says 'Microsoft Windows Millenium start up menu'  The options are 1. Normal 2. Logged 3. Safe Mode 4. Step by step confirmation.  It also says Warning:Windows did not finish loading on the previous attempt.  Choose Safe mode to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers.  I choose safe mode and it shuts off in a matter of seconds right after it flashes a screen that says something including 'Error' and 'KERNEL' but goes so fast, I can't read it. Thanks for your help and patience. Jo Ann

srtdeagle84 · Answer

It sounds like to me that you have an actual Operating System CD. You need to run the system diagnostics in order to find out if you have an actual hardware (physical) problem. The CD will say 'Drivers and Utilities' on it and somewhere in smaller text it should say 'Resource CD'. Follow the instructions given earlier to run the diagnostics from this CD. Ultimately, you need to test your hardware. I would hate to see you have a bad hard drive when you went through all the time and trouble to install a fresh copy of Windows ME. Let me know what you find out.

jomommie · Answer

Ok, I found that disk, put it in and tried tapping F12 and restarting several times and all it would do was give this screen that said 'Preparing to start your computer.  This may take a few minutes.  Please wait...  1 file(s) copied 1 File(s) copied MSDEX version 2.23 Then some copyright info Then 12 Extracting D:\ lines and at the bottom of the screen A:\> This happens even if I don't press F12 Also, the first screen started with 'Starting Windows 98' Jo Ann

srtdeagle84 · Answer

We're getting into some pretty complex stuff. From the sounds of it, it just took you to a dos prompt. We need some sort of way to test your hardware. I guess if this doesn't want to work properly, I'd just try installing Windows ME. But remember, the instructions I give will completely erase all the information from your hard drive. As far as backing them up is concerned, since your Operating System is hosed, you'll need to use alternate methods. One example would be removing the hard drive and placing it into another computer. Then retrieving the files you need. You could do a few other methods, but this stuff will get rather complex. Determine if you need your files or not, then proceed to install Windows ME with the following instructions:

Create a boot floppy so you can boot into MSDOS mode. You can download a Windows ME boot floppy from here. Before you run the bootdisk maker, insert an empty/formatted floppy disk into your drive.
Restart your computer, make sure the floppy is inside the drive. Select "Start Computer With CDROM Support" when that option becomes available.
This will now take you to the command prompt. Type the following command:

format c: /q

This will format (erase) your hard drive, which is highly recommended in any new Windows installation.
Insert the Windows ME CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive, type the following command at a command prompt, and then press ENTER

X:\setup

where X is the drive letter that is assigned to your CD-ROM drive
When you receive the following message, press ENTER, and then follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Setup procedure:
"Please wait while the Setup initializes. Setup is now going to perform a routine check on your system. To continue press Enter."

After the installation of Windows ME, you most certainly will need to install all the drivers for your computer using the Drivers and Utility CD-Rom. Let me know how you do.

jomommie · Answer

Wow.  I think I am in over my head here.  I will look at this again when I have more time.  I'll keep you posted on what happens. Thanks!

Windows General

Error loading Explorer.exe

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