How to Fix Explorer.Exe Errors

Windows Explorer acts as the GUI (graphical user interface) between you and the programs on your computer via an executable file called explorer.exe. If this file becomes corrupted because of malware, Windows Explorer cannot function properly. Persistent explorer.exe errors can cause taskbar and desktop icons to vanish or to remain on screen for a short time. Repair Windows Explorer by editing the registry or by running a command prompt system scan.

Things You'll Need

• Windows operating system disk

Instructions

Deleting Extra Explorer.exe Keys

1. Open the Task Manager by pressing "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" keys simultaneously. Click on "File" and select "New Task (Run)" from the menu. Type "regedit.exe" into the dialog box. Press "Enter."

2. Click on "Edit" and click on "Find." Type "explorer.exe" into the search box. Press "Enter."

3. Delete any appearance of "explorer.exe" other than in "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\Shell." Save the changes and restart the computer.

Repairing Explorer.exe

1. Click on the "Start" menu. Type "cmd" in the search box. Right-click on the icon at the top of the window and choose "Run as Administrator."

2. Type "sfc /scannow." in the command prompt window, which initializes a system file checker that scans immediately for issues with Windows critical system files, . according to Microsoft. If explorer.exe is corrupt, the scan will repair it.

3. Restart your computer.

References

• Microsoft: Using SFC.exe to Repair the Operating System