Background missing icons after startup

Question

Hello, recently this problem occured: BACKGROUND - A couple days ago my computer had some odd pop-ups and system checks.  It must have asked me to upgrade to a program call WinSpyware 2007, I guess, because it started downloading it.  Later, during the download I canceled it half way through, because I was suspicous.  Turned off my computer and went to bed   PROBLEM - The next day I turned my computer on.  After the startup my background showed no icons or taskbars.  Everything was missing.  Background picture was fine.    RESULT - I CAN'T DO ANYTHING.  And yes, I am a computer dummy.  Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Jacob.     Dell Dimesion DIM 2400 Intel (R)  Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz 2.66GHz, 256 MB of RAM   Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition  Version 2002 Service Pack 2

dbramlet · Answer

I will assume you have windows XP. First off never D/L anything like that from a pop-up window. Better to ignore this. I am surprised the pop-up blocker allowed it. But, you can try starting the computer in the safe mode but powering up and start tapping the F8 key until you get some boot options. Select safe mode and then let it load. Icons should be there. Then look under accessories and system tools and select system restore. Select a date before this happened and restore the computer. See if that works.

logan_ja · Answer

Thank you and yes I am running XP.    REPLY - I forgot to mention that I tryed to run in Safe Mode previously and had no luck.  Screen was jet black and had safe mode in all corners.    NEXT QUESTION - Is there another option to this problem?     Thank You, Jacob.

dbramlet · Answer

Well, look at the diagnostic lights on back and post what color you see on all 4. You may need more help than I can offer and you may have gotten some sort of virus or something on the d/l. But post the dianostic ligh colors.

RoHe · Answer

Reboot and press F8. On that menu, pick 'Last Known Good' instead of Safe Mode. Ron

dbramlet · Answer

Well, you can remove the power cord from the wall jack, hold the power button for say 10 seconds. Then remove the cmos battery for a few seconds. Then put the battery back and try a booting. I see that works sometimes for these things.

logan_ja · Answer

Well, I looked a the lights and they are all GREEN.    I also did the F8 operation and had no luck.  I would like to Thank You for your time.  Is there anything else we can do?  Jacob

RoHe · Answer

Sounds like software rather than hardware...

Did you try "last known good"? If that doesn't work, you may have to do a Repair/Reinstall of XP. Personal files and software you installed won't be harmed, but you will have to reinstall all XP updateas and hotfixes again.

Ron

logan_ja · Answer

Hello Ron,  Yes, I tried 'last known good' start but no luck.   #2 ATTEMPT - After chatting to a Dell representative last night.  I did do a XP repair from the CD and it worked, but I not sure if I did it correctly.....   RESULT - After XP repair from CD the icons appeared.  It was great.  Yet, today I turned on the computer to find they were gone again.    I am not sure if I did the repair right from the CD.....could you give the details on it, so I can do it again.   Thanks a bunch, Jacob.

RoHe · Answer

Have you scanned for malware lately??

Try this first:
Right-click desktop and hover mouse over Arrange Icons by...
When the list expands, if "show desktop icons" isn't checked, click on it.

Did you do a repair/reinstall or reformat/reinstall?
Before doing that again, try this:
At your desktop, press ctrl-alt-del to open Task Manager
Click File>New Task (Run)
Type in: sfc /scannow
(space between sfc and /)
click OK
Insert XP CD if sfc requests it and reboot when it's done. If that fixes it, be sure to reinstall all XP updates and hotfixes again before you go web surfing or open any emails.

Repair/Reinstall:
Boot from XP CD
Press ENTER at first screen (not R)
Accept XP User License
Press R at next screen for Repair/Reinstall
When that's done, get firewall and antiviral software running and go directly to MS update site to download all the updates/fixes.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 07-19-2007 08:10 PM

logan_ja · Answer

Have some trouble booting from CD because it will ask me the Adminstrators password.  I don't know the password.  This maybe the hold up from booting from the CD.   Jacob

RoHe · Answer

I edited my previous post so read that again before you do anything else. If it asks for password when booting from XP CD, just press ENTER. Ron

logan_ja · Answer

A: No, I have not scanned for Malware.  Q: How do I scan for it?    I couldn't get the right-click and arrange icons to work on the desktop.  Nothing happens.  Right now I am running the scan.  Let you know ASAP what happens.   Q: I take it all the update and things are all found at microsoft website?     Thanks tremendously for the help Ron.  I couldn't do it without you, Jacob.

logan_ja · Answer

A:  I have not scanned for malware Q:  How would I do it?   I have tried all the above mentioned and have no luck in recovering the icons.    I now have no idea what to do next.  Any help would be great.  Thanks, Jacob.

RoHe · Answer

Did you do another repair/reinstall?

At desktop, ctrl-alt-del to open Task Manager
Click File New Task (run)
Click Browse button
Double-click Start Menu
Double-click Programs
Do you see the list of entries on your Start menu?
If you double-click any/all of them, does the application run?

If that works, possible your user profile is corrupted. So let's create a new one.
Ctrl-alt-del to open Task Manager
Click File New Task (run)
Type in: control panel
Click OK
Control panel window should open.
Double-click User Accounts
Follow prompts to create a new profile (new name) with full administrator privileges. Exit, reboot, and choose the new account. Do you have a 'normal' desktop now? If you do, you can take possession of all the files belonging to the old account and you're back in business.

Got my fingers crossed!

Ron

logan_ja · Answer

OUTSTANDING!!!    After I created a new username everything is running great.  Although, I did lose some icons which were not being used which was fine with me.  Anyhow, I appreciate all your help very much.    I am going to start visiting the forums more often and hopefully learn more.    LAST QUESTION: I am still getting a few pop-ups any advice.   FINAL RESULT:  I am now using my computer again and it feels GREAT!!!    THANKS A MILLION!!!

Windows General

Background missing icons after startup

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