Solved Windows Explorer crash on Startup

Hi, I am having serious problems with Vista

I believe I have some sort of malware but I have no idea how to solve the problem - Vista boots and then Windows Explorer immediately crashes - the only thing I can then do is load Task Manager and shut down. It does this also in every configuration.

I was having problems with the machine going blue-screen-of-death randomly so I tried a System Restore, as this fixed a similar problem before, and since that its been having this problem.

I've also tried booting from last successful boot but the problem remains.

All the troubleshooting for this seems to require Windows Explorer working at least sporadically.

I don't have a recovery disk as it came prepackaged with the PC.

Do you have the problem if you tap f8 quickly on boot, to get into safe mode?

Yeah the problem is still there in safe mode unfortunately :/

Do you have stuff that you don't want to lose?

Yup, I have a lot of picture memories stored there that I foolishly never backed-up

I was hoping to at least be able to get that stuff off the hard-drive before I had to take some other action with it

If this is not a hardware probme, you can back up with this
Use Ubuntu Live CD to Backup Files from Your Dead Windows Computer

Thanks very much! What would you recommend after I back-up?

I have a few ideas, but lets back up first.

Thanks! Will check back in here after I've done that

Just remembered how painfully slow my internet connection is... could take an hour or more to download

Just take your time, if I am not here we have many others who will be glad to help.

OK so after much fiddling about and reformatting a USB flash drive to FAT, I have backed up everything important from my hard disk onto my laptop and just as an aside, Ubuntu 12.10 is running perfectly well and my hard drive is fully accessible (which further makes me think that there are no real hardware issues and that it is infact Malware.)

So what's the next step?

Make and model of computer, please.

From the Microsoft Community Forum:
Follow these instructions to restore the computer to factory specs (the way it was when you took the computer home)
Reinstall Windows Preinstalled On Computer
When Windows comes installed with the computer, OEM computer manufacturers are required to provide at least one way for you to reinstall Windows - your computer should have included either a restore partition on your hard drive, or Windows install/restore disks. Most computer manufacturers also have a feature to make your own install disks.
If the restore partition is still there and was not removed, it will reinstall Windows. There is usually a prompt when you first start the computer telling you what key to press to start the restore - check your manual if you're not sure how to. Or if you have install disks - insert them, restart and boot from them to start the reinstall process.
When you restore it to factory condition, it will be like it was when you first bought it - all preinstalled programs will be installed. Anything you installed after buying it must be reinstalled. This will remove any personal files on the computer, back them up first.

I can't find the recovery disks, I believe they may have been inadvertently thrown out :/

This desktop appears not to have a recovery partition, though I am not certain - F8 in boot screen reveals no 'Repair This Computer' option.... had a look around in the BIOS, again, nothing. Is there a keystroke that might activate it?

EDIT: I think we may have been fairly irresponsible when we first got this PC and thrown away a lot of the important recovery things...I got this PC years and years ago and I remember making recovery disks but I'm certain they've been thrown out in a big cleanout...is there any way to legitimately get an install\recovery disk from Microsoft or elsewhere without having to shell out?

Although a recovery partition would be ideal

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

The Vista recovery disk is used to boot Vista when it won't boot - to run Startup Repair, System Restore, access a Command Line, Recover using a Vista Backup Image, etc.
System Recovery Options. Choose an option tht will not cause you to lose your stuff.

If Vista will not start now, boot the Recovery CD to run Startup Repair which automates System Restore as well as numerous other tests including System File Checker which can repair system files which are not corrupted beyond repair.

If Vista still will not start, try booting into Safe Mode to run sfc /scannow to repair System files.
Special Thanks Given to Seven Forums.




Below is a bulletin distributed by MS to explain the start up procedure when Windows will not boot.

• Startup Repair. Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting. Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows Vista installation disc. If your computer has preinstalled recovery options, it might also be stored on your computer's hard disk. For more information, see Startup Repair: frequently asked questions and What are the system recovery options in Windows Vista? If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Change restart settings in safe mode. If your computer is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and then fails again repeatedly, restart your computer in safe mode and select the Disable automatic restart on system failure checkbox. For more information, see Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
• Reinstall. If no other options have solved the problem, and you are sure that your computer's hardware is functioning normally, you might need to reinstall Windows. A custom (clean) installation of Windows will permanently delete all of the files on your computer and reinstall Windows, so only use this option if all other recovery options have been unsuccessful. After the installation, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from backup copies. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows**.

Sorry if I'm being awkward here :/

richc46 said:

If you create a recovery DVD, you may be able to boot to recovery options
Create Recovery DVD.
Hard Disc Controller must be set to IDE in BIOS and Bios must be set to boot from the CD Boot Priority - Change

Click to expand...

Slight problem there is that I'm running Windows 7 64-bit on the laptop I'm troubleshooting this from. The recovery disk maker thing won't work.

Would it make sense to make a recovery disk from Windows 7 and use that to repair Vista? (I've read that's possible...)


Use A Windows 7 Recovery Disc To Repair Vista

I would give that a try. Can you borrow, from a friend or even an enemy, Vista install CD?

Gonna just try and do a clean install of Windows 7 64-bit from this laptop tomorrow, hopefully it will work. Its like 1:20 am here so I'm giving up for the night, will let you know how it goes tomorrow!

You can do a clean install if you have a Product Key For Seven. You cannot use the Vista Product Key Number.