How to Restore a Desktop Damaged by a Virus
Viruses frequently make changes to an infected computer's registry, and can therefore prevent applications or services from running. If your desktop no longer displays correctly due to a virus, you will need to edit your registry to bypass the virus' code. Editing the registry will allow you access to a fully functional desktop, at which point you can then use an antivirus program to remove any infections from your PC.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Press "Ctrl," "Shift" and "Esc" simultaneously to launch Windows Task Manager. Click the "Applications" tab, then click the "New Task" button.
-
2
Type "C:\Windows\Explorer.exe" into the dialogue box, then hit "Enter" to launch Windows Explorer.
-
-
3
Click "Computer," then double-click "C:." Click "Tools," then click "Folder Options." Select the "View" tab.
-
4
Select "Show hidden files and folders," then click "OK." Double-click the "Windows" folder.
-
5
Right-click "explorer.exe," then click "Rename." Change the file name to "newexplorer.exe," then hit "Enter."
-
6
Press "Alt" and "Shift" simultaneously, then continue tapping "Shift" until the Task Manager icon is selected.
-
7
Click "New Task," then type "regedit" into the dialogue box. Hit "Enter" to open Windows Registry.
-
8
Select the plus signs next to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE," "SOFTWARE," "Microsoft," "Windows NT" and "Current Version." Click "Winlogon."
-
9
Right-click "Shell." Click "Modify." Change the "Value Data" field to "newexplorer.exe," then click "OK." This should restore your desktop.
-
10
Run your antivirus software to search your computer for any remaining viruses. Remove or quarantine any viruses the software detects.
-
11
Return to the "Windows" folder in Windows Explorer. Rename "newexplorer.exe" back to "explorer.exe."
-
12
Reopen "Windows Registry." Return to the "Winlogon" folder, then right-click "Shell." Click "Modify." Change the "Value Data" field back to "explorer.exe." Restart your computer.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You may need to restart your computer after each change to the registry.
You might want to use more than one antivirus, since some software can fail to detect certain infections.
You should run your antivirus software a second time following the restart.
