Explorer.exe not loading after Java update, error code 0xc0000142

[flooipoi]

This is my first post here, so I'll try to be as specific as possible.

It started when I tried to play Minecraft. It crashed right as I opened the launcher. I had recently updated Java, so I thought that had something to do with it. Someone on the Minecraft forums said to restart your computer and it'd run fine. I restarted, and that's when the troubles began.

Minecraft still wouldn't run. Even worse, Google Chrome would crash right as I opened it. I restarted my computer in hope that it would fix it, but it made it worse, because now my desktop won't show up!

I traced the desktop back to explorer.exe malfunctioning. I downloaded it and tried to run it, but it didn't work with error code 0xc0000142.

I attempted a virus scan with Symantec, but the scan wouldn't run. It didn't even say why, other than it just failed to start.

This is obviously more than just a Java problem. So PLEASE help me!

 

[whs]

Do you have any non-standard firewall.

 

[Ztruker]

Do a System Restore to before this happened: What are the system recovery options in Windows? - Microsoft Windows Help

 

[indianacarnie]

Welcome to the forums hankster112!

Have you tried running your A/V in safe mode? Or starting in safe mode for that matter? Have you tried running a sfc/scannow to find and possibly fix corrupt system files? We have many excellent tutorials here at the forums, here's one on how to do that if you haven't before, just click on the link : http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
That should fix any corrupt explorer files.

 

[flooipoi]

The last system restore point I have is back in September. I have tried running sfc/scannow, it didn't start. I do not have any nonstandard firewalls, only Symantec. Also, now my computer won't even start. When it gets to the user screen, it just black screens and restarts or does nothing at all. If there is anything else you need to know about my PC, I will gladly tell you.

EDIT: I got my computer to start back up again via Startup Repair, but explorer.exe still doesn't work.