PC/Laptop will not advance past the first desktop screen.

[Synchronomyst]

So two of my friends computers will not advance past the first desktop screen.

Not in regular mode. Not in safe mode. The task manager, however, comes up if you hit the keystroke. Last known good config will not work. System restore may be switched off on the laptop. Where do I start in helping them?

[Fkacn_tt]

what do you mean by first desktop screen.

[Synchronomyst]

Right before your desktop icons and start bar load.

[Spazosaurus]

Ahh he's talking about the wallpaper sowing up but no icons.


Assuming its XP the machines are running, you next step would be to run the repair option on your XP boot cd. Not the recovery console, but the installation repair. This will give you a "fresh" installation while laeaving your files and programs intact.

Be sure to use the same disc that was used to install xp on in the first place, eg if its home edition sp2, don't use professional sp2. Even if its sp2 pro installation, try to use a sp2 disc.

[Synchronomyst]

PC friend most likely doesn't have the install disc. What then?

Oh! And thanks for your continued help.

[Nephilim]

here this task manger coming up right?

in task manager:

File, New Task (Run), type in "explorer.exe" and then OK.

So two of my friends computers will not advance past the first desktop screen.

2 of them develop the same problem the same time?

that is too much of a coincidence, if possible get one of the boot cd tools (e.g. Ultimate Boot CD) and run the anti virus software on them.
It might be that explorer.exe file got infected (kill explorer.exe from the task manager it'll give a similar situation to what you describe)

for the least, they both may have installed some form of malware.

nabs...

[Spazosaurus]

Or a driver/update that was incompatible with the system.

Try the run explorer and see. Failing that, they'll HAVE to get their hands on a disc to do a repair.

[Synchronomyst]

Yeah. I have Hiren's sitting down right next to me. I might actually use it for good this time.

Hrm...alright. I'd go with malware/incompatible driver update problems happened within 5 days of each other and their computers have had no "contact" (messenger/flash drive). Either way. Thanks for the tips.