Windows 7 - There are No Icons or Taskbar on my Desktop

[slhijb]

When I start Windows 7 only the wallpaper shows up, there are no icons or task bar. This is a newer HP desktop computer, only 4 months old and has very little use and almost nothing loaded on it.

The problem is intermittent. Somethings it boots normally with full icons and taskbar (but the problem returns in a day or two, or the next time I restart the computer).

I have seen on other posts to check whether "explorer.exe" is running. Have checked Task Manager and it is.

Antivirus Programs (all up to date and run several times with no issues (in safe mode))
1. Microsoft Security Essentials
2. AVG 2012
3. Malwarebytes
4. CCleaner

Have run System Restore 10 to 15 times (sometimes will restore to normal for a day or two, then problem returns, most times still no icons or taskbar).

Have run
1. System Restore
2. Check Disk

Can anyone help? When Googled, I see this issue with XP computers, but not much with Windows 7 64x.

Thanks

 

[alphanumeric]

I hope you are not running MSE and AVG at the same time, is not recomended to have to antivirus programs running at the same time.

 

[seavixen32]

As alphanumeric states, you shouldn't be running more than one anti-virus program at the same time.

I would be inclined to uninstall AVG 2012 and just use MSE, and then run a system file check, as explained in this turorial.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Also, right-click the Start button, click Properties followed by the Taskbar tab and make sure 'Auto-hide the taskbar' is unchecked.

 

[slhijb]

Thanks, I certainly took your advice. Continued research through the net and I found what appears to be a permanent fix to the problem.

In my case, the source of the problem appears to be related to a recent download of freeware DVDFlick (although I do not have this problem on other computers that I have DVDFlick).

The repair can be found at:
How to really fix Explorer.exe-The problem and how to fix it - YouTube

Repair - No Icons or Taskbar on the Desktop when booting
Step 1

- If Icons & taskbar disappear, do the following:
-- Boot in Safe Mode: Keep tapping F8 during boot
-- In safe mode go to: Start > type in:
--- regedit
--- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > Current Version > Winlogon > Shell (other window) > delete: explorer.exe and retype it in

Step 2
Also, go to Start > type in: msconfig > go to Startup tab > check to see what is in startup (delete unnecessary items).

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome and thanks for the update.

 

[slhijb]

I was premature in declaring victory

I spoke a little too soon in declaring victory. Two days after posting a possible fix for the problem of "No desktop Icons or Taskbar with Windows 7 x 64 Home Premium", the icons and taskbar disappeared again. I hit the internet research trail again and this time, I think I found a permanent solution.

"How to Fix Explorer.exe Crashing in Windows 7 x64
Explorer.exe is known to keep crashing in Windows 7 x64. Fortunately, it's really easy to fix it. The problem is that explorer.exe is located in the SysWOW64 directory, but Windows looks for it in Windows\System32. Since there is no explorer.exe there, it keeps crashing. To fix this all you need to do is copy (not move!) explorer.exe from the SysWOW64 folder and paste it into the Windows\System32 folder. That should eliminate the crashes."

This has worked now for several days with no hint of a problem. I hope this helps anyone else having this problem.

 

[alphanumeric]

What makes you think Windows is looking for it in the system32 folder? It likely does on 32 bit Windows 7, but on my Windows 7 64 bit system its in SysWOW64 and I have no problems.

 

[ComptonCity]

I also didn't have any problems with explorer.exe located only on sysWOW64. After my sistem experienced serious breakdown a few hours ago, this copying operation didn't help at all.

 

[ComptonCity]

I figured out what is the reason for my problem.
I connected monitor to PC with both analog and HDMI cable. For two weeks there were no issues, when (as I already wrote) some kind of system error occured. I managed to avoid sytem error by unplugging all the unnecessary devices (wi-fi antenna, external hard drive), after that I came across with that no icons or taskbar thing. By unplugging one of the monitor cables problem is finally solved. Of course I recommend to keep the HDMI cable plugged because of better quality etc.

Hope it will work for someone else if getting in touch with this occasion.

 

[Vampire7]

Windows 7 pro sp1 x64, local time 15:44 Dell E6440 laptop -- Recently taskbar & icons disappeared for 1st time. Only the VGA cable is plugged into Dell monitor. Problem seems to be wide spread among Win 7 users. Sure wish Microsoft had fixed it. When problem is finally fixed I plan on swapping VGA for HDMI. Would like to see updates from all who believe have solved. Thanks to all.