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Malware virus - now i cant see my desktop [Solved]

Amphibian115 2Posts Tuesday August 19, 2008Registration date - Latest answer on May 7, 2011 04:28AM

Hello!
A few weeks ago I encountered a malware virus by clicking on an icon that said I had just encountered a virus and Microsoft was trying to repair it. I'm pretty sure that ive successfully removed the malware but I cannot access my desktop. My computer turns on and goes through the normal process but then a few minutes into using it - my desktop disappears, then it reappears for short periods of time
I know all of my information is still there because I can access it using the taskbar (control + alt + delete ) then "run" and browse - I'm even able to access the internet in this way, but I'm afraid that in doing this I'm causing some sort of long term damage - the longer the computer is on the more frequently the desktop disappears and theres a longer timeframe before it reappears again.
Please if anyone has insight I would greatly appreciate it. Times are pretty tight right now so I'm especially reluctant pay a fortune and give my baby to someone who's only slightly more knowledgable than I am.
Thank you and have a wonderful day
Btw - I'm on a Sony Vaio Windows XP 2003<code>Configuration: Windows XP
Internet Explorer

Answer

+25

mattk311 Dec 28, 2008 12:50AM

I was having the same issue where the desktop wasn't appearing in regular mode or safe mode, and I solved it by:

1) Bringing up the Task Manager (CTRL - ALT - DEL)
2) Then click File -> New Task / Run
3) Browse to "C:\Windows\explorer.exe" (it may just say "explorer")
4) Click OK

This should bring up your desktop long enough to run the malwarebytes software, which will fix this issue, once you complete the scan.

Note: If the desktop goes away after you complete step 4, it should come right back up after a minute or so. You have to be fast, though!

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lightning - Apr 5, 2009 10:16PM

Hi thank you for the tip, I have tried it but the task manager wont show up when I use the ctrl-alt-del just a blue screen pop up that has the lock, log off, change pass word button I have tried so many times but the task manager just wont show up. I really don't know what to do pleas help do you have any advise for me

gopal - May 1, 2009 04:42AM

sir i cannot see any icon on the desktop i tried ctrl+alt +del for taskmanager

Daniee - May 1, 2009 04:32PM

heyy wen ever i type in C:\Windows\explorer.exe in the task bar thing it shows alot of folders .. which one do i click on? and the explorer folder doesnt work i dont know why

mixx - Jun 17, 2009 06:58PM

hi i have hte same problem with my com . i had a virus on my com and i couldnt do anything go on the internet nothing . so ii restored it but the virus is still on. i tried to download a virus protection (northern) and after i downloaded it and it was restarting when my com loaded it was a black screen. i tried logging in into safe mode but i still get a black screen i also tried using ctrl alt del but it didnt come um please help . thank you

earl - Dec 22, 2009 11:00PM

can u help me pls!!

when i restart my pc, i cant open my desktop but the opening sounds of windows are on.

PS:i can use safe mode but the system restore has an error

Chumley - Jan 29, 2010 05:46PM

Mattk311

Thank you so much. After a major infection, I was having the same lost desktop issue with no ability to restore or change the wallpaper on my 2004 Windows XP Pro Machine. After booting up normally, it went to an automatic grey background with Icons but in the dialog box for Display Properties > Desktop the Background Slider tab was locked. I could hit Ctrl + ALT + DEL and get to the Task Manager which would give me back my correct desktop wallpaper, but without any icons. Closing the Task Manager would give me back my Icons but cancel out my wallpaper.

After running McAfee Total Protection Service, Spyware Doctor, CCleaner, and a few other software programs, although they all found different things, (literally 1,000's of pieces of malware, spyware, browser hijacks, worms, etc. none of the above fixed the above referenced issue.

Malwarebytes software did fix it the first time.

Thanks again.

Chumley

hex - Mar 26, 2010 12:51PM

Thank you mattk311 this answered helped me!
<3

chard - May 7, 2011 04:28AM

thank you mattk311...this really helped me.

Answer

+21

Emily Aug 16, 2009 10:39AM

I have the same problem where all I see is my desktop picture and nothing else. I can't do the cntl alt delete cuz when I do it says "task manager disabled
by your administrator"

it won't let me log in throihgh safe mode. What shod I do??

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Answer

pedro123 Mar 4, 2010 05:33PM

I was having the same issue where the desktop wasn't appearing in regular mode or safe mode, when doing this for my little cousins laptop and I solved it by:

1) Bringing up the Task Manager (CTRL - ALT - DEL)
2) Then click File -> New Task / Run
3) Browse to "C:\Windows\explorer.exe" (it may just say "explorer")
4) Then rename explorer to Texplorer
5)Use the task manager now to run regedit
6)Goto HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon then I modifyied the Shell Key to say TExplorer.exe instead of Explorer.exe.
7)Now the desktop has returned. I installed MalwareBytes Anti-Malware & AVG 8.5 free edition. Updated both and ran full scans. Removed everything they found.
8)Ran regedit and reversed my changes above so it was back to Explorer.exe
9)Renamed C:\Windows\Texploere.exe back to Explorer.exe and then rebooted the system and all worked fine.

This was a mix of pctech49721 and mattk311
This worked perfect.
Hope it helps coz this was one annoying virus!

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Chorean Apr 7, 2009 03:58PM

Oh my goodness....I have the exact same problem, almost verbatim, same computer brand and XP version. I can't see anything on my desktop, except my wallpaper. I think it accessed my computer through a warning window that told me I needed to run anti-spyware, or something like that. I am excited to try and save my files through the methods advised on this blog! I have 4 years of college on my Vaio that I do NOT want to lose!!

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Fantetti 1Posts Sunday July 19, 2009Registration date Jul 20, 2009 12:49AM

How do I rename explorer.exe to TExplorer.exe ????

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Akiha Dec 26, 2008 09:26PM

I had the same problem and resolved with malwarebytes, windows xp running in safe mode...

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pctech49721 Apr 9, 2009 10:30AM

The reason you can't see your desktop after the removal of the virus or malware is that it corrupted or changed registry keys that refer to running Explorer.exe as your shell upon startup.

I fixed this by booting and hitting Ctrl, Alt, Del to bring up task manager and then going to Run and browsing to C:\Windows\Explorer.exe and right clicking on it and then renaming it to texplorer.exe

I then ran regedit and went to HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon then I modifyied the Shell Key to say TExplorer.exe instead of Explorer.exe.

Now the desktop has returned. I installed MalwareBytes Anti-Malware & AVG 8.5 free edition. Updated both and ran full scans. Removed everything they found.

Ran regedit and reversed my changes above so it was back to Explorer.exe

Renamed C:\Windows\Texploere.exe back to Explorer.exe and then rebooted the system and all worked fine.

Hope this helps a few....

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Astianax78 - Apr 15, 2009 11:44PM

Thank you very much man!!!You solved my problem !!!I really appreciate your help!!!Thank you one more time!!!Good luck in your life!Paul

xpb - Apr 25, 2009 10:21AM

I did all of these as per your advice, i.e. change the name of explorer.exe to texplorer.exe and together with the registry change it worked like a charm. I also ran Superantispyware, who found a little more problems, but fixed them all.

Thanks.

ajeff - Apr 27, 2009 11:08PM

I tried what you suggested - adding the "t". Now it won't let me remove it. Says there is already a file by that name....any suggestions? The system key one is fine, it let me change. It's the other that's the problem. Thanks!

murphy - Oct 26, 2009 06:42AM

I have searched but cannot find an answer to my problem. About three times in probably three years, I cannot see the words "log off" on my computer screen. Normally, those words are up in the right hand corner and I never have a problem seeing them. When I contact the various help desks, they can see those words, but not me. I have tried stretching my screen as far as it will go and going to the smallest font, but nothing works. Unfortunately, the most recent time, was on a confidential business site. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks

art - Mar 13, 2010 06:10PM

Hello,

I tried this... but could not figure out how to rename it from task manager after going to the menu File ->Run->c:\Windows\Explorer.exe to TExplorer.exe.

After using malwarebytes it had asked me to restart. My desktop icons and my files are missing. I managed to figure out changing settings of folder options and to allow .exe to work again... yes, it worked, however, my desktop is still not showing what it looked prior to using malwarebytes. I am not sure if I've completely removed it as I reinstalled malwarebytes, ccleaner and avast... and installed hijack this without seeing anything odd. I would like to know how I can retrieve my old desktop to show again and how to have my programs working again.

Will your solution work? If so, please let me know how to do it correctly and please contact me through my email as well. I had the rogue virus...

Thanks...

Melvz - Mar 19, 2010 01:15PM

how to reboot?
can you teach me?

Answer

Help Apr 19, 2009 01:40PM

I can't see my desktop after running Malwarebytes. Ctrl+Alt+Del doesn't do anything. I've restarted with F8 and tried to load up Safe Mode, but it stalls and won't load. How can I get rid of this without Safe Mode?

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hallo Aug 29, 2009 09:25AM

maybe if resetting dosent work you might of corrupted explorer.exe
not internet explorer, the thing that runs everything (desktop, folders, etc.)

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Chorean Apr 7, 2009 04:11PM

So not only can I not see my icons or task bar on the bottom, every 3-5 minutes or so, I get 2 windows that pop up, one internet explorer window that is blank, and then a smaller warning box that says I have spyware and need to fix it. If I delete the 2 boxes right away, my computer doesn't slow down as fast, but if I let it sit, then the same 2 boxes keep appearing over and over again. I am going to try doing the malwarebytes and cross my fingers....any help would be appreciated!!

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mikeyme - Feb 18, 2010 08:15PM

Ctrl+ Alt + Delete and open task manager and go to file, new tab, and type explorer.exe and you should be good
you're welcome! have a nice day.... :)

baburib - Mar 23, 2010 09:29PM

tried that.no explorer.exe.any other ideas

Answer

edwin Sep 15, 2009 11:30PM

If you tried all the instructions given by experience users and gurus in this forum the only and last option is to re-format your PC with a clean OS but before doing that be sure to back-up all your files so you can have a copy of your old files then restore them later. This problem is very common to WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION. Reinstall your best antivirus and make a regular weekly full scan using MALWAREBYTES and SuperAntivirus. Get them for free using your torrent downloader http://www.mininova.org/search/?search=malwarebytes&cat=0.

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http://www.zdnet.de/spyware_vermeiden_unter_windows_spybot_searc Oct 26, 2008 04:44AM

Hi, i live in austria and have the same problem , after two days i find the solution ,you just need to download this program spybotsd160 spybot search and distroy do all update for this program and run the check and it will remove it from your system after remove restart your windows , i am happy now good lock

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Private Defective Nov 22, 2008 09:01AM

I have the same OS and *exactly* the same problem. It's been weeks since I could use my desktop or Start menu. PC is relatively stable but but opening a program requires going through Task Manager. I can make the desktop reappear temporarily by logging out and logging back in again.

Hijack this doesn't find anything. Spybot identifies Virtumonde trojan but isn't able to clean it up. Vundofix, however, doesn't spot anything. Also, there are none of the ads that supposedly come with that virus. However, I understand that Virtumonde attacks the logon function, so maybe there is a connection.

Thanks a million for any ideas. I will try re-scanning in Safe Mode now.

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i think this might work Jul 4, 2009 03:00PM

go to task manager... go to processes check if u have explorer.exe if you dont.... go to file and click new task run ....... now type in explorer.exe

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DewFreak Aug 20, 2008 04:26PM

Trying logging on thru safe mode, reset the computer and press F8 before you see the Windows logo. Choose safe mode from the list. Rerun your antivirus/spyware tools when in safe mode. Start with this and then we can go from there.

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Trevvi - Jan 13, 2009 10:36AM

FYI:
I had the same problem this AM.

Tried to do safe mode but Task Man just froze when I went to RUN - Browse.
I then did a hard shut down (Off switch) and everything came back on restart, so far so good.

Might be worth a try.

Good luck.

Trevvi

Ricky1123 › Amphibian115 - Jun 29, 2009 09:47PM

hey can u help me i have the same problem with my computer and if u ever find the thing to fix it just msg me on my yahoo plzz my E-Mail is Email Id removed for security

Mr.Unity › Amphibian115 - Jan 8, 2010 10:19PM

The best way to get rid of this awful stubborn virus is go to search where you see the dog wagging his tail ok windows xp I typed in the virus name it showed up on the search on 3or 4 documents I right clicked deleted them into recycle bin then deleted them then desktop came up ok then run the malwarebytes and picked up somemore rogues issues this was after spending 2 or 3 hours at my friends house fighting this crazy virus

SAM - Jan 13, 2010 03:40AM

I am having the same problem, my desktop appears to refresh every 9 seconds... Everything runs fine through task manager, but I cannot access my control panel or anything that even sounds like it may help.What is the name of the virus that is causing the problem? Is there a common location/ file path to find it?

Gabe - Jan 29, 2010 10:18PM

The most common one is the antivirus 2009 its internet extortion can you see anything on your desktop at all?

Gabe › SAM - Jan 29, 2010 10:23PM

Also clean your registry after you get it off the free AML registry cleaner is one of the best ones on the net

gime_dat - Jul 4, 2009 02:54AM

kwanini computer yangu haiwaki mpaka niitie madole ?

bill - Apr 27, 2009 09:47PM

Insert your Windows operating system cd (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Whatever....) and press any key when it comes up to ask to boot from CD. Once the CD loads Press The button to Repair your installation. It will load up a black screen with lots of stuff but just let it load. After it loads you get a blinking curser, type fixboot . It will complete and then type exit and restart to see if it starts. . Send me an email if you need more clear instructions
-Bill

Liz - May 6, 2009 08:19PM

Dear Bill,
5 - 6 - 09
Hi. I hope it is ok to write to you. I was reading about the viruses and only you had a different answer. I got this horrible Trojan in IE using win xp. I was using the task manager, but now it won't come up. I have a fake screen on log on windows. For 2 seconds I can see my old screen, all blank though. But I could use the TManager there, now I can't. I hate this trojan. Why do people do this? I am so screwed with work and all banking. I have AVG and Norton. They tried, but it was after the trojan got in. All I can do is F8. And I don't know where my disk is..... I can't imagine losing 4 years of work. I was trying to put all my stuff on an external hard drive when all of this happened. I am crushed Bill. Is there anything I can do besides hunt down the jerks who do this to people? I can get a win xp disk, but it won't be my original. I am using a dif laptop for my mail. I can't afford to take it to a shop Bill. I don't even own a tv so my pc is all I have. Pretty sad, eh? If you could be so kind and write back I would so appreciate it Bill, and thanks in advance. Liz There must be a way I pray!

Engineer Sam - Aug 8, 2009 02:06PM

I think it will do you a lot of good to remove the old OS and install a new one upon your files.

You can do this without hurting your whole of documents and files i mean to the last recovered job.

You will definitely lose only your installed programs only and not your work done and saved so far.

This will help you because I normally use it for other people and successfully too.

Deborah › bill - Jul 9, 2009 03:39PM

Bill, I have the same problem, but when I tried to run my windows xp cd again, it didn't even recognize it. What now?
Deborah

blaa › bill - Jul 27, 2009 09:40PM

blaa ;)~

Ricky1123 1Posts Tuesday June 30, 2009Registration date - Jun 29, 2009 09:50PM

i have that computer problem can u help me my E-Mail is martinezenrique95@yahoo.com plzz help me

Answer

mscorbitt Jan 1, 2009 01:54PM

i had the same issues and i took it to best buy geek squad. i ended up buying webroot spysweeper with anitvirus and i was able to remove the virtumonde. but now my computer loads and then everything dissappears. more to come. webroot did a good job of quarinteening the virus and removing it, but now i dont know what the issue is.

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guru73 1Posts Tuesday March 3, 2009Registration date Mar 3, 2009 10:04PM

I work as a tech at Guru Computers "www.needguru.com" and I run across a lot of issues like everyone is having and we use the Malware Bytes and that works great the only reason people still having issues is because it's not just running the software it's what you need to do to your system before you run the software. That's just my opinion.

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rv Mar 29, 2009 12:24PM

if i hit ctr+alt+del my pc restarts... Safe mode cannot be found under f8 nor f2, which also seem to be the only options... give me a shot gun, thi pc must be put down.

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zach May 4, 2009 07:39PM

hey, my desktop icons arent showing or taskbar i read the comments above except i cant even connect to the internet because taskbar wont show this is driving me crazy can anyone help

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agni May 10, 2009 11:58PM

Hi,
u know hijack this tool,use this tool.

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Malware virus - now i cant see my desktop [Solved]

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