errors after windows update - windows xp can't open

Question

Boy, this is frustrating!  My Dimension 4700 was installing auto updates on Friday when my impatient child turned the powerbar off.  I figured Sunday night when I turned it back on that it would pick up where it left off...no such luck.  Windows XP came on with a new sign-on screen for a password.  I got through that, but now there is this message:   EXPLORER.EXE Application Error The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0150002).  Click OK to terminate the application.   I've found this error message on Microsoft's website and restored the system to a date in September when this shouldn't have been a problem, to no avail.  The big problem is that the 'help' is for when programs, like Office, fail - not when Windows fails.  I've installed XP a second time on my 2nd harddrive, but I can't access any of the programs under the original Windows install.  So now I've got internet and that's about it.   Any ideas on how to fix the original Windows XP installation (it's SP2), and then how do I uninstall the version on my back-up hard drive?   Thanks - I'm pulling my hair out over this one! Beth

dunedin · Answer

Beth   Did you try 'Last known good config'  from Safe Mode?   If it boots to a blank desktop try CTRL + ALT + DEL to open Task Manager. Then  File/New task (Run)  and type in explorer.exe OK   Otherwise to fix your original XP installation I think you will need an XP installation CD.  Do you have one?  A lot of folks just have a Recovery CD.   Why can`t you see the orignal XP install when using your 2nd hard drive?  What error message are you getting?

xlogo · Answer

Hi,   I had exactly the same problem and error message on the weekend (only it was me that pulled the plug !), I did get my machine to boot into safe mode - With command line, but nothing else, I eventually had to re-install the box to factory settings....   But be WARNED you will LOSE all of your data, so only do this if you are happy that you have a backup.   http://lbis.kenyon.edu/help/techsupport/dellreload.htm   Good Luck !!

buffy05 · Answer

Safe mode pretty much does nothing.  I'll try it again, but previously when I boot to Windows XP on my c: drive, my wallpaper comes up and I get the error message 'EXPLORER.EXE Application Error.......click OK to terminate' which is my only option.  So I'm left with my wallpaper, no Start button or menu, and nothing works.  The mouse moves, but there's nothing to click on, and CTRL+ALT+DEL doesn't do anything, probably since Windows Explorer isn't working.   I do have the Windows XP CD that came with my computer.  I've run the Windows Recovery, but it hasn't really done anything.

buffy05 · Answer

That's what I was afraid of... I do have all of my files transferred on to my 2nd hard drive, but I'd really not like to have to reload everything.  Is this the same as formatting?   I can open Windows XP in safe mode with a command prompt, but that's the only version that opens on my c: drive.  Is there something I can do from there?  Also, when I hit F8, I have an option for Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows Domain Controllers Only) - what is this, and is it useful?   Just thought maybe it would help...   Thanks!

sparkenh · Answer

Try Repair Install. You won't lose data or apps.

Windows General

errors after windows update - windows xp can't open

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