major problem, help please.

[podtog]

When I start computer up Im getting a error box saying Explorer has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down, so when I close on this nothing appears on my desktop, the only thing I can get is MSN which comes up automatically. I need to be able to retrieve my desktop as it has all my programmes.Basically I cannt get anything to appear on my desktop at all from starting my computer up. Do you know how I can fix this?
Thankyou, Podtog

[mathare]

As a short-term measure try pressing Windows Key + E to bring up a Windows Explorer session and see if that works. If so, navigate to the Desktop folder from there and you can access your programs.

Then do the usual virus and spyware checks.

If the above fails see if the Windows key brings up the Start menu and access your programs from there

[MarcusMel]

Start computer up in Safe mode (when you turn the computer on keep pressing F8 key until you get the menu option to start up in safe mode)

You will then be able to reset to an earlier working time.

[podtog]

I,ll try it Marcus, get back to you.

[podtog]

Ok, Ive tried re-setting to an earlier date and nothings changed, the desktop comes up in safe mode, dont know whether your supposed to be able to get online in safe mode but it wont let me. Which ones the windows key Mathare?

[mathare]

Which ones the windows key Mathare?Look between the Ctrl and Alt keys on the bottom left of your keyboard or between Ctrl and Alt Gr on the bottom right. It will have the Windows logo on it

[MarcusMel]

Just checking you did a system restore and did not just change the date. Sorry if sounds like a stupid question but people do unexpected things on occasions.

After you have done a system restore to an earlier date restart back in normal mode.

Window Key is one with 'flying' four squares on it.

[podtog]

Ok, just tried that and nothing happens.

[podtog]

Just checking you did a system restore and did not just change the date. Sorry if sounds like a stupid question but people do unexpected things on occasions.

After you have done a system restore to an earlier date restart back in normal mode.

Window Key is one with 'flying' four squares on it.

I did the unexpected thing Marcus and just changed the date, so when I change the date do I do a system restore on the same page?

[MarcusMel]

The name of the program you are trying to run is
%SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe

where %SystemRoot% = C:\windows

or wherever windows has installed itself.

You can probably run it by going to the start key and clicking on run and then type into the box rstrui.exe

[podtog]

Well I did what you advised Marcus and cannot find a system restore on my computer, just going to wait for my computer whizz to sort it out for me, could be a few days before its sorted though :( .

[Win2Win]

Reinstall windows from boot, but just select the REPAIR

[podtog]

I dont have the disk to reinstall, it says its an explorer error so would downloading explorer6 overwrite the existing one.

[mathare]

I dont have the disk to reinstall, it says its an explorer error so would downloading explorer6 overwrite the existing one.It's probably a Windows Explorer problem, not Internet Explorer.

It's your file navigation system, not your web browser.

[podtog]

I see, so I would need the windows disk then.

[TheOldhamWhisper]

No - first off - when you get the error and the desktop is blank, press Ctrl+Alt+Del ONCE ONLY and select Shutdown/Log User off from the Task Manager menu.

You can then log back in (should work, I have encountered this problem before). This is not a fix, it simply gets your desktop back!

NEXT, you need to do a full virus scan with the most up to date definitions (just in case this is the root cause).

To do a system restore, follow the instructions found here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

ONLY when this has failed, shut you try using the Windows disk repair method!

[podtog]

Thanks Odham, trouble is Im on windows 98, maybe thats why it allow me to do one.

[TheOldhamWhisper]

Thanks Odham, trouble is Im on windows 98, maybe thats why it allow me to do one.

Ah - now that could be a problem!!

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;234882

Unless you have all the bits mentioned here, you could have a problem.

You could try installing over the top but it is a 'wing and a prayer' solution!
Good Luck.

[podtog]

I have VNC server installed, will the bloke I use still be able to remote access even though the icon isnt appearing unless im in safe mode.

[TheOldhamWhisper]

As long as the service is running, there should be no problem with VNC. Tell him to try to connect.

[podtog]

Thanks everyone, back in business, had to get someone round to fix it in the end, it felt like my right arm had been cut off without it for 2 days, just goes to show how much we rely on the things.