Help needed: Windows desktop icons and bar disappeared

[fatpiggy]

I just reconnected Bell Sympatico modem to my new computer and ran the CD disk that came with the Sympatico modem. It was ok and I was able to surf the web until I switched off my computer.

Now when I start up windows, all the normal icons and desktop bar appeared for a brief 2 seconds and then disappeared, and unless I double-clik the windows explorer icons within that 2 seconds, I won't be able to find it again and have to restart my computer. Moreover, if I minimize the explorer windows than I won't be able to maximize it again as there is nothing to click at.

Can someone help? I called the sympatico hotline, and as expected, those CS from India (?) just ask me to bring the computer back to the store. He said there's nothing wrong with Sympatico!! Life in India is easy!

[squall458]

Uninstall the sympatico cd and see if that solves the problem. You do not need the cd for the dsl to work. You can set it up using windows (assuming your xp, its so easy) or your router/modem might be able to login for you too.

[fatpiggy]

The Sympatico CS told me the CD was just for initialization of the Modem, nothing has been installed in the computer, that's why he said it was a computer problem not a Bell problem.

Anyway, what can be deleted? I check windows in safe mode but couldn't find any sympatico program to delete.

Since the icons appears for 2 seconds and then disappeared, shouldn't there be a command that tells windows to do it? Will I be able to find out what command that is and disable that command? How? Anyone?

[ganiba]

Hi,

You can try the following in case you can't see your icons and bar.

1- Click on "Ctrl+Alt+Delete" in the same time in order to open the "Windows Task Manager"
2- Choose "File > New Task ..."
3- type "explorer"

I think you will see again your icons, i hope so :).

Good Luck.

[ganiba]

... Moreover, if I minimize the explorer windows than I won't be able to maximize it again as there is nothing to click at.

If everything disappear from your screen, you can use the keyboard instead :).
If you minimize the Explorer and you can't see the window again, you click on "Alt+Tab". This will open a window to choose from the active applications.

Good luck.

[fatpiggy]

Hi,
1- Click on "Ctrl+Alt+Delete" in the same time in order to open the "Windows Task Manager"
2- Choose "File > New Task ..."
3- type "explorer"


Doesn't seem to work!

If everything disappear from your screen, you can use the keyboard instead :).
If you minimize the Explorer and you can't see the window again, you click on "Alt+Tab". This will open a window to choose from the active applications.

Good luck.

Great advice, thanks! Now I can get my minimized explorer back.

But guys, how to get my icons, short cuts and task bar back?

[thepotatohead]

at time like this, you may want to give System Restore a try.

Press "Window key+R" keys to access "Run" dialog box and enter the following
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

[fatpiggy]

at time like this, you may want to give System Restore a try.

Press "Window key+R" keys to access "Run" dialog box and enter the following
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

It works! Everything is back to normal now! Many thanks to Mr. Potatohead.