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General discussion

Desktop issues

by ineedhelp92688 Feb 9, 2009 8:04AM PST

I have a problem with my desktop. Upon startup, the computer loads everything, including the desktop and the task bar, but it won't let me click any of the icons on my desktop or drag and select. In order to return my desktop to a usable state, I have to end process "explorer.exe" and then start it again.
The computer is running xp and is a dell dimension 5150.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Try Running System File Checker...
by tobeach Feb 9, 2009 3:33PM PST

To correct damaged system files , try running System File Checker.
If XP, based on an on board back-up copy of XP(read only) used to correct files. If copy is corrupted, it may tell you to insert XP or SP2/3(if patch applied) disk or to indicate location of SP2/3 info to get new,
clean copy inserted. Good to have disk at hand. To Run SFC:

Left click on My Computer(open)
Right click on "C" or your OS drive if another letter.
Left click Properties and then click Tools Tab.
Left click on "Error Checking"> Check Now.
Left click to enter check mark in "Auto Fix System File Errors"
Left click on "Start".
Computer will have to reboot to begin repairs. Restart computer.
Just leave alone (you're locked out anyway) 'til process finished.

Hopefully this will force it to recognise you primary desktop.
Can't do any harm. Good Luck!! Happy

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Another Thought....
by tobeach Feb 12, 2009 2:18PM PST

Do You by chance have 2 desktops for yourself & explorer is finding an old disabled one? Not likely but possible? Check by navigating:
C:>documents & settings>your name> desktop folder(s). If more than 1, likely marked desktop & desktop 2 then right click & "explore"the desktop 2 folder. If everything you expect to be on your desktop is there, the either 1) delete desktop (1)to recycle bin and leave there temporarily or rename it to desktop old. Re-boot and see if problem is gone. IF NOT, try reverse sending desktop 2 to recycle bin AFTER first restoring desktop 1 from re-cycle bin by right clicking and choosing restore by removing "old" from the name. Any luck? Happy

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tried the hd check......
by ineedhelp92688 Feb 13, 2009 2:52AM PST

I tried the hard drive check as you suggested. However, the computer now lets me select the desktop but not the taskbar. I checked for multiple desktops also, but found no problems there.

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Here's A Couple Of Links ....
by tobeach Feb 13, 2009 4:12PM PST

to Kelly's Korner's main trouble shooting page & specific toolbar / desktop repair script. These are well known & safe as far as spyware etc.
Kelly's toolbar fix: http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

"NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry.".
Kelly's Main Repair XP & Trouble shoot page:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp.htm

What you need should be there! Enjoy & let us know how it works or not! Happy

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Fixed!!!!!
by ineedhelp92688 Feb 14, 2009 1:10AM PST

It turns out that firefox 3.0 kept starting up a process that, not matter how hard I tried, I could not end. It just kept starting up again, slowing down my entire computer. I just uninstalled 3.0 and installed 2.0 which fixed the problem. Thanks for your help.

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Sorry So Off Base But Glad
by tobeach Feb 14, 2009 2:07PM PST

you got it fixed!! Good Work but Note (particularly 2nd note**):

"30 October 2008

In six weeks, support for Firefox 2 will end. Anyone still using Firefox 2 should soon think about upgrading to Firefox 3. Normally, an existing version reaches its end of life (EOL) six months after the introduction of its successor which would mean, for Firefox 2, mid-December. After that point there would be no more security updates to fix vulnerabilities. Mike Betzner of Mozilla says two-thirds of Firefox's users have already upgraded to Firefox 3.

More: http://www.heise-online.co.uk/security/Firefox-2-End-of-supported-life-approaches--/news/111829


2ND Reminder: Check which version of Sun Java you must have for FF 3
before installing it. FF2 could use Java 5 or Java 6.** FF 3 needs Java 6(?).
The correct Java must exist on machine BEFORE installing FF 3. "

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