can't open explorer or control panel

Got in a customer's pc that he admits he tried to remove something in windows setup(trying to make it faster :rolleyes: ) and now it is acting very weird. It starts up ok, but neither windows explorer or internet explorer will open; it loses the desktop for a second and then comes back. Same thing with control panel. If I restart in safe mode, they function fine.
I tried sfc/scannow, repair re-install of xp, disabling all startup's, etc...
I scanned for virus; it's clean. I ran spybot and found some spyware but nothing critical. I removed it ok. Still the same.
Ideas??? :eek2:

You dont say what the Operating system is but the odds are it is something loading at startup.

Run Msconfig from the run options and disable anything that looks suspicious.

What exactly did he try to remove and what windows?

and now it is acting very weird. It starts up ok, but neither windows explorer or internet explorer will open; it loses the desktop for a second and then comes back. Same thing with control panel. If I restart in safe mode, they function fine.
I tried sfc/scannow, repair re-install of xp, disabling all startup's, etc...

I scanned for virus;

Using what antiivirus?
His onboard or did you do a online scan ?
www.trendmicro.com
www.pandasoftware.com/activescan
This definetly sounds like a possible viral problem I have had before
You might also try just going to
www.microsoft.com/IE
and downloading the IE installer and have it do a repair

I can't get this pc online so I used stinger. This pc is running xp pro. I will look at the startup again.

Frankly without knowing what he did, you could be throwing fixes at it forever. Is system restore on?

Oh and I know its XP cos you said so cabal :devil:

control panel keys
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile]
@="Control Panel extension"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\shell]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\shell\cplopen]
@="Open with Control Panel"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\shell\cplopen\command]
@="rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL %1,%*"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\shell\runas]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cplfile\shell\runas\command]
@="rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLLAsUser %1,%*"

Also same stuff but under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\cplfile

There are a few other keys, but these are to do with launching it.

hmmm he didn't delete win.ini did he?

NooNoo-

This is close to the issue I posted earlier about the Control Panel and My Computer issue. Alot of times customers say they deleted "something" and think that is what caused the issue, (which is true in some cases) but alot of times that isn't the cause. The issue I have with the CP is the same(screen goes away for a second and then comes back) Works fine in safemode? I took all of the same steps as Cabal and got the same results. Thanks~ babymomma

did you check those registry keys are there in normal mode?

Thanks for reply, NooNoo. I checked those registry keys and they appear normal.
This one really has me cheesed. Why does it work in safe mode, but if I turn off all startup items it still won't work/ Does this mean there is a service that is not working right?

is it possible they removed a system/mb driver that is loaded as different in safe mode???

Try some of these from the run line: http://www.chami.com/tips/delphi/052698D.html

OK, it works in safe mode, that points to profiles. Try logging in as Administrator in normal mode see if it works, if it does, create a new user and then reboot and login to it. Does that work?

Hello,
I see your post on not being able to open explorer or the control panel. I have the same thing, I click on Internet Explorer and it goes blank and does nothing, I click on my computer and nothing and the control panel won't open. I haven't tried safe mode yet, but I scanned for a virus and found nothing. I reinstalled Windows XP and got the same results.
Were you able to solve your problem, if so can you please share? I don't know what to try next?
Thanks!

No, I didn't. Customer was getting impatient so I did a fresh install of xp and re-installed his software. Now it is working fine. My guess is something customer deleted or downloaded screwed his xp beyond repair.
Thanks for your help, NooNoo and DocPC.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cabal

No, I didn't. Customer was getting impatient so I did a fresh install of xp and re-installed his software. Now it is working fine. My guess is something customer deleted or downloaded screwed his xp beyond repair.
Thanks for your help, NooNoo and DocPC.

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Format - Great utility...
I usually make an Image of the OS for the next time the customer $crew everything up...

Cheers,
Gabriel