Windows XP forum: disappeared Icons

First I would try System Restore to a date/time prior to when the problem ocurred.

Another thing you might try is navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\user name\Local Settings\Application Data and delete the IconCache.db as it may have become corrupt or too large. Then restart the computer. Eventually the file will be recreated.

Before bothering with a reinstallation It may be helpful to wait a while to see if some one here can help actually fix the problem.

First thing after removing viruses, etc. always delete all back-ups that may be harboring back-ups of the viruses, etc. I would run again the scans to make sure the Trojans have not been brought back to life then delete the backups i.e. System Restore points; right click on My Computer > left click on Properties > System Restore tab > place a check mark beside "Turn off system retore on all drives" > click Apply. Then reverse the procedure to turn SR back on.

The rescue disk or Start > All Programs > System Recovery > System Recovery will offer an opportunity to perform either a Full or non-destructive system recovery. The Full will set the system back like it was when new\purchased. non-destructuve system recovery will save the personal files but loose all programs, MS Updates as well as anti-virus definitions.

There is also a System Recover with Back-up which should back-up all personal files at C:\Backup but should loose all programs, Updates, etc. But I have personally experienced the System Recovery with Backup to back-up some programs, sometimes.

I have found it very helpful to save programs or their Setup files on CD, as it is only a matter of "when" they will be needed, again, and again, and again.
Hope this is of some help.

Charlie

will try your suggestions later, busy for now.

Len

no left or right click available
no task bar
won`t run explorer.exe

Len

reboot with f8.. safe mode? Use last good settings?

I think there's a program to run that will compare your OS to what's on the windows cd and put back ones that are damaged, but I don't know the name.

check the path by typing in the PATH command in the command line window.there may be another explorer in front of the real one. retype the command without any odd looking directories that might be there

you can get to program run by holding down the windows button and hitting the letter r. cmd will get you a command line window

It takes a lot less time to wipe, pick up a free copy of wipe drive off of the 'net, boot from it, do an overwrite, then put in your windows disk and do a clean install, its a lot less hassle in the end! And everything will work. Chances are if you don't, the frustration will drive you to buy a new pc, because the problems will never totally go away. It takes about 4 hours to wipe & install, more like 4 days to try to repair, and that's if you're an expert.

Is the machine a laptop? I know several people who had a similar problem caused by the settings for using a second monitor. Control Panel-->Display, check all settings. Same thing happened to me using Ubuntu linux when I added a LCD TV/monitor and hit the wrong button.

Good luck.