How to Fix Explorer.exe Problem In Windows XP When Taskbar Disappears

In this article, I will explain simple and easy solution to solve the EXPLORER.EXE problem in Microsoft Windows XP. This problem occurs when the Windows Taskbar and Desktop icons disappear and reappear frequently not allowing the user to perform any task.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Courage to take chances
• Another backup operating system like UBUNTU (Very useful but not necessary)
• Microsoft Windows XP CDROM (In case needed for re-installation)

1. 

   THE PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
   
   When the computer is booted, everything looks fine initially with all the Desktop icons and the Task bar. The programs appear to be running fine. But all the icons and task bar disappears suddenly. Then it all reappears and this process continues without letting the user to perform any tasks.
   This problem recurs always when the computer is booted.

2. 

   THE PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
   
   The above described problem appears due to corrupt EXPLORER.EXE file. This may have happened due to some trojan attack through internet file downloading. The solution in this article deals with solving this problem. However, it is recommended to reinstall Windows XP some time soon.

3. ACCESSING C:\WINDOWS FOLDER
   
   If the task bar is not visible at all, you will need to press Ctrl+Alt+Del key to bring up the taskbar. Go to "New Task" from the menu bar and enter "explorer.exe". You will need to do this several times if your task bar disappears again.
   Go to "C:\WINDOWS" folder through "My Computer". If accessing the My Computer folder is not possible then you can go to Command prompt by typing "cmd" in the "Run" command line and accessing the "WINDOWS" folder from here.

4. 

   COPYING AND RENAMING EXPLORER.EXE File
   
   Copy the EXPLORER.EXE (Computer icon) file and paste it in the same folder. A file "Copy of EXPLORER.EXE" will be created in the folder. Now change the file name to your name.exe. For example, I renamed mine to "deshmukh.exe"

5. 

   CHANGE REGISTRY - REGEDIT
   
   Now go to Start >> Run and type "regedit" and press enter key. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon. In this folder, you will find a sub named "shell". Double click it and rename the "explorer.exe" to "deshmukh.exe"

6. RESTART
   
   Restart your computer after making this change. Everything will be back to normal without any problems!

Tips & Warnings

• Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) in order to run the explorer.exe temporarily while you are following the above procedure
• Do Not change any other settings in the Windows registry "Regedit". This may cause serious problems to your operating system and computer startup.

[jacton]

on 8/17/2009 When I try to run the regedit programs a black box comes up and disappears quickly, this is also what happens when I try to run programs off my desktop, any ideas how to fix this?

[songuku]

on 4/5/2009 thanks, it works for me

[castlevaniadude]

on 2/25/2009 blooden i undastand look... THIS **** fAiLS!LOOK SINCE U HAVE DAT PROBLEM1.oPEN tAsk Manager2.TYPE REDEDIT3.GO TOO HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current VERSION/WINLOGON4.right click and click edit5.change back to This Exatly:Explorer.exe6.HIT ENTER.NOTE:YOU WILL HAVE TO PUT IN EXPLORER.EXE EVERY TIME.7.TYPE EXPLORE.EXE IN NEW TASK IN TASK MANAGER.

[blooden]

on 2/17/2009 Well,I did everything exactly as you explained with the only difference to delete the original explorer.exe(since i had the copy deshmukhr.exe right?),but nothing.I restart my pc and the same thing happens.The background of my desktop empty without start menu access.My only choice is Ctrl alt del and then new task.I tried to run the new deshmukhr.exe but it says that "windows is not possible to have access to the specific device,directory or file.Maybe you don't have the prorper licence access."Anyway,if i type start menu it gives me a list to choose with which program should I open start menu and i guess it was usually opened with explorer.exe and after i deleted the original it can't be opened even having the copy (deshmukhr.exe).Any help ? :S

[blooden]

on 2/17/2009 Well,I did everything exactly as you explained with the only difference to delete the original explorer.exe(since i had the copy deshmukhr.exe right?),but nothing.I restart my pc and the same thing happens.The background of my desktop empty without start menu access.My only choice is Ctrl alt del and then new task.I tried to run the new deshmukhr.exe but it says that "windows is not possible to have access to the specific device,directory or file.Maybe you don't have the prorper licence access."Anyway,if i type start menu it gives me a list to choose with which program should I open start menu and i guess it was usually opened with explorer.exe and after i deleted the original it can't be opened even having the copy (deshmukhr.exe).Any help ? :S