How to Repair the Explorer.Exe File for Windows XP

Explorer.exe is what loads the desktop, taskbar, notifications and other graphical user interfaces during the Windows start-up process. When corrupted, the shell file fails to identify all directories. The main executable will normally only load up the background picture and desktop icons. However, in extreme cases it is possible that no picture or icons will load at all. This might seem like a major problem, but it is a rather easier fix.

Instructions

1. Press "CTRL > ALT > DEL" while logged into Windows to bring up the task manager.

2. Click on "File" and select "New Task (Run...)."

3. Type "regedit" into the text box. Click "OK."

4. Click "Edit" and select "Find..."

5. Type "explorer.exe" and "iexplorer.exe" into the text box. Click the "Find Next" button. Delete "explorer.exe" and "iexplorer.exe" only if found in the (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution.options) directory.

6. Click "Close." The X in the top right-hand corner of the window closes the registry editor.

7. Restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• When searching for the two registry values, if not identified under (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution.options), close the registry editor and proceed as normal.

• Run a virus scan beforehand to make certain the system is clean. After the steps, if the virus scan deems the system clean, the Windows desktop should load properly.

References

• Kioskea.net: EXPLORER.EXE corrupted or infected [Solved/Closed]