Desktop Icons Not Working, RESTART Works, Then Stop Working Again.

[Bullfighter]

Desktop Icons Not Working, Restart Works, Then Stop Working Again.

I use Internet Explorer and am on the computer many hours a day. I have a Dell Inspiron 620 with Windows 7 Pro 64.

This problem started a few weeks ago. The desktop icons stop working but start working again after a RESTART. I've tried to bypass the desktop by using START to access programs. This has limited success. I tried putting a desktop folder with my favorite websites on the START menu but that causes the entire screen to stop working when the icon problem occurs. I also tried putting DESKTOP on the TASKBAR. That creates the same problem as with START. The whole screen stops working and I must force a restart by shutting off the computer by pushing the COMPUTER ON button. Once it restarts, I run the computer until the malfunction occurs. Once I removed the DESKTOP from the TASKBAR, the problem only effects the desktop as before.

Do you have any ideas?

 

[UsernameIssues]

You might try a new (temporary) test profile.

And these steps might help:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ation-conflicts-performing-clean-startup.html

 

[Bullfighter]

UsernameIssues

I tried the "clean startup" but the problem still occurred.

Could you explain the temporary test profile?

 

[UsernameIssues]

Create* a temporary user account. That will create a new set of user profile folders - including a desktop folder. Restart the computer and log on to that temporary/test account and spent some time there (surfing or whatever) to see if things lock up while using that account.

If they do lock up - then the problem is system wide.

If they do not lock up - then your normal user account (profile) might be corrupt.


*let us know if you need the steps to do that.

 

[Bullfighter]

OK, I'll give that a try tomorrow.

One more thing, if it matters I don't know. In PICTURES, the desktop icons are reproduced under C:\Users\"username". That has been there for a few years though. It just popped up one day.

 

[Bullfighter]

UsernameIssues

What I did was to use GUEST as my additional user account. I run both accounts at the same time because GUEST has so few programs and none of my files. I placed my most used websites into a folder in FAVORITES on my Internet Explorer.

The primary account (administrator) still locks up occasionally but I'm able to open various programs off of the START menu. I keep using the primary account till it locks. The GUEST account seems unaffected by this.

I was having trouble with Windows Live Mail right around the time this problem started. I'm not sure if they are connected though. I had to uninstall then re-install Windows Live to get my e-mails working again. So far, so good. I have a second desktop computer in which to compare things with. Both are Windows 7 Pro.

I use Norton Security too.

 

[Bullfighter]

Another event has happened. When I tried to open PICTURES on the locked up primary START menu, a window popped up with EXPLORER.EXE.......SYSTEM CALL FAILED.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Just as a test, uninstall Norton Security and install MSE.
Let us know if the lock ups still happen.

If it does lock up while using MSE, move to a new user account.

 

[NortonSupport]

UsernameIssues

What I did was to use GUEST as my additional user account. I run both accounts at the same time because GUEST has so few programs and none of my files. I placed my most used websites into a folder in FAVORITES on my Internet Explorer.

The primary account (administrator) still locks up occasionally but I'm able to open various programs off of the START menu. I keep using the primary account till it locks. The GUEST account seems unaffected by this.

I was having trouble with Windows Live Mail right around the time this problem started. I'm not sure if they are connected though. I had to uninstall then re-install Windows Live to get my e-mails working again. So far, so good. I have a second desktop computer in which to compare things with. Both are Windows 7 Pro.

I use Norton Security too.

Hi,

Sorry for the delay. Did you work after you uninstalled Norton? please let us know we'll help you.
Thanks!

Praveen
Norton Support.

 

[Bullfighter]

NortonSupport, UsernameIssues,

I decided to use Norton's remote virus removal services. I talked to a few employees and finally got a technician who worked on my computer remotely, for about 40 minutes while I watched. I thought that would be the solution. The next day, the problem occurred again.

I decided to keep Norton Security but start a whole new account.

I copied files over to the new administrator account, only documents, photos, videos, and eventually started a new Windows Live Mail 2012 program and copied my e-mail achieve over to it. I had to restart Windows Media Player and other programs too. I was at this for 10 hours. Once I did this, I removed my original account, files and all. The main folder is still there with just a few sub folders I can't seem to remove. The one marked "appdata" contains 378mb. The others are empty.

I thought this would end my problem. It didn't. Now I get, not only the desktop freeze, but all controls like START has frozen too. I have to force restart using the computer's main ON button. The computer will work for a while, then the desktop stops again. Very frustrating. My Dell computer was purchased in 2011 and apparently I can no longer get a disc that word restore my computer to its original programming, minus the problems, of course.

I have another computer and a external hard drive I could use to back up all files I want to keep while I could erase the entire hard drive and start again, but I need a recovery disc. I got one for my new Dell computer, thank God, but that doesn't help this Dell!

Is there something else I can do?

One other symptom popped up. While I was on Office to update my programs, an updated download from Microsoft Office was shown so I began to install it. It was to update Microsoft One Note. It was taking forever, so I cancelled it, then removed it. Suddenly an empty folder popped up on my desktop that I was unable to delete. There were a few right click commands on the folder but nothing worked. A few more popped up but I was able to remove all of them a little while later. I'm not sure if these folders are connected with my main problem though.

Is there anyway I can restore this computer?

 

[UsernameIssues]

... My Dell computer was purchased in 2011 and apparently I can no longer get a disc that word restore my computer to its original programming, minus the problems, of course. ...

What happens when you try to get media thru this website?
Need Backup Media? | Dell US

You can still try what I suggested in post #8.

 

[Bullfighter]

I went back to Norton and got more technical help. The tech removed Norton Security and told me to return if my problem continued. I asked if I should use Microsoft Security and he said I should before going on the internet. I've been on the computer for 4 hours now and the problem seems to have disappeared. Should I reinstall Norton Security?

 

[Bullfighter]

... My Dell computer was purchased in 2011 and apparently I can no longer get a disc that word restore my computer to its original programming, minus the problems, of course. ...

What happens when you try to get media thru this website?
Need Backup Media? | Dell US

You can still try what I suggested in post #8.

That website will give a factory restore disc if the computer is still under warranty.

 

[UsernameIssues]

Sure - go ahead and install Norton Security again. Just be sure to uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) first.

It is possible that there was a problem with the last install of Norton Security. Uninstalling Norton Security (like you have already done) and re-installing Norton Security might cure whatever was ailing it.

If the "desktop problem" happens again after re-installing Norton Security...
...then it might be time for a refund
...let Norton's support staff remove Norton Security a second time
...you can pick any antivirus app that you like.

You can re-install MSE or you might like Panda's free antivirus better.

 

[Bullfighter]

UsernameIssues Ok ...Thanks for your help.

One more question.

What if I could not have found a solution to the "bug" in my computer.

Would getting a blank hard drive, installing Windows 7 Pro, and all other software and files to it be the only way to restore the computer?

 

[UsernameIssues]

Re-installing the Windows 7 operating system should fix things. But it would be nice to know that the lock ups are gone first. I have a Dell computer that locks much like you describe because it has a bad motherboard. A new hard drive and freshly installed OS did not help that computer. Once you are convinced that this installation of W7 does not lock up, then you can decide if you want to try a new drive and fresh OS install.

Can you read the key on the sticker on the computer?

 

[Bullfighter]

Re-installing the Windows 7 operating system should fix things. But it would be nice to know that the lock ups are gone first. I have a Dell computer that locks much like you describe because it has a bad motherboard. A new hard drive and freshly installed OS did not help that computer. Once you are convinced that this installation of W7 does not lock up, then you can decide if you want to try a new drive and fresh OS install.

Can you read the key on the sticker on the computer?

Yes. I didn't even know it was there because I always kept my flat bed scanners on the tops of my computers. I've been searching for a Windows 7 disc that should have come with the Inspiron 620 but I don't think they supplied one. I recall seeing a Windows 8.1 disc somewhere that Dell pushes on the buyers of Windows 7 units. I know the upgrade is hiding in my computer, but I don't want it. My other computer is Windows 7 too. I bought it in July 2015 from Dell, the last month they were making Windows 7 available to the public. Why would I go to all the trouble of buying a Windows 7 when they were selling the units with Windows 8.1 cheaper?

One disc I do have for the 620 is a Dell Drivers and Utilities Disc marked "to reinstall software only". I assume it doesn't have the Windows 7 with it.

I have an old Dell Dimension 8200 Pentium 4 1.8ghz with Windows XP. It ran slower than a dead mule in its final days. I decided to start a new hard drive and put in a minimum amount of programs. I manage to get the SP2 upgrade off a Microsoft website that was for "developers only". It worked. But it was like beating that dead mule. The programs were ridiculously slow. I remember someone telling me that the Pentium 4 ran hot and their life expectancies were not very long. I looked up the price of a new one and it was cheap. Less than $50 if I remember. I finally just put it aside and bought a new Dell as the new rule of thump seems to be to "plan on buying a new computer every 5 years" in order to keep up with advancing technologies. But I just hate to throw it out. I still own a reel to reel tape deck.

If I can read the Window 7 label on the Inspiron 620, how can I use it to re-install Windows 7 if I plan on making a new installation of the computer hard drive. I have 2 drives, by the way.

 

[UsernameIssues]

You can download the W7 pro 64bit ISO from here: X17-59186.iso
(The download speed might be slow.)
(You need to know how to turn an ISO file into a DVD.)

Before making the DVD, you might also be interested in these steps:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html
(I would only do the stage 1 step to make use of “ei.cfg Removal Utility”)

 

[Bullfighter]

Well what do you know. I was just looking at my first AT&T U verse bill and I'm entitled to FREE McAfee Security Suite. Which one should I use???

 

[UsernameIssues]

Please avoid McAfee products. McAfee does not have a good reputation among forum members here.

MSE or Panda will serve you well - for free.