No desktop ICONS

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No desktop ICONS

by Mark
(Burlington, On, Ca)

Had a problem with system 32 folder computer wouldn't boot. Restored system 32 folder from a back up location and now the computer boots, the desktop background picture appears but it is without any desktop icons and the system hangs up at that point.

The mouse cursor is visible and moves but you cannot go anywhere from there. Cannot access the start menu or anything.

Is there something that I can do to remedy this problem or something I may have missed along the way? At this point I'm farther along than I've been but still cannot use the computer. I don't want to format and reinstall everything and have several emails and contacts that I don't want to lose either.

Any advice that can be offered is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

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No desktop ICONS

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Jul 07, 2010
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Bad user profile?
by: Support

Hello Mark,

I have copied the system32 folder from one computer to another with out problems before, the thing is the computers were the same make and model.

You can try to rebuild the user profile, how ever you will need the Administrator ID and password. Normally you have Administrator rights if the ID you are using is the first ID to be created when the Operating System was installed.

How ever to delete the profile for that ID you have to log on as the Administrator, thus you need the password.

Seeing as you can not get to the desktop to do anything have you tried to start the OS (Operating System) in safe mode?

If you can start it in safe mode check the name of the Admiistrator ID and set the password if you know it.

This problem has been discussed here before in this post:

No desktop Icons or Startmenu bar

Read the comments on how to go about deleting and rebuilding a user profile.

If you can not rebuild the profile or can not log on as the Administrator then I suggest you boot from a bootable device (cd or pen drive) and back up your data before you attempt to install the OS again.

In the How To... section of this web site there are suggestions on how to make a bootable cd, flash drive, or an external hard drive.

Hope this helps...

Sep 27, 2010
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Bad user profile/no desktop icons
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the earlier advice. I've tried the suggestions listed and even the one listed from a previous user's experience that was linked to your original reply but no dice.

When in the task manager attempting to navigate to "explorer.exe" nothing happens. I cannot attempt to repair or replace the defective user profile which seems to be the problem. At one point in the step by step instructions it requires accessing the "application" folder on the affected profile however that folder does not exist while navigating. All other existing folders are listed however.

I've already run a virus scan of the whole drive which was completed without any viruses being detected and the drive seems stable and runs cool so I've discounted heat or drive damage as a cause. Any further advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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