"Deleted" Desktop

IAmJah · Oct 25, 2009

Several months ago, I was attempting to install software that I didn't think to consider was not compatible with Vista. It was made for Windows XP, and I was deleting files on my C: Drive to make room. I accidentally deleted a file that took my desktop with it. Now, when I log on, to any user on the computer, there is a black screen with the "My Computer" window up. I've included a picture to show. Minimized windows are irrelevant. I'm just multi-tasking at the moment. Anybody know how to fix this?

Brink · Oct 25, 2009

Hello Jah, and welcome to Vista Forums.

If not already permanently deleted, then while you are in the Windows Explorer window, open the Recycle Bin from the Navigation Pane and restore the file that was deleted to hopefully restore your desktop after a restart.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

IAmJah · Oct 25, 2009

Well, this was several months ago, so it had already been permanently deleted. I also did not know the file name. In my toyings, I found that if I type "explorer" into the "Run" application, it will bring back my desktop, task bar, and start menu. However, once the computer is restarted, it returns to the previous condition.

Given the new status, does anybody know any fixes for THIS problem?

Brink · Oct 25, 2009

As a test, create a new administrator account to see if it works ok in it.

IAmJah · Oct 25, 2009

I logged onto the other administrator account on the computer, and it does not work. There is no desktop.

Deception · Oct 25, 2009

IAmJah said:
I logged onto the other administrator account on the computer, and it does not work. There is no desktop.

Try to create a new one he was saying. Not one that was originally in place. Maybe this makes a difference.

Sean

usasma · Oct 27, 2009

I'd suspect that this was either a startup issue (with explorer.exe not starting as the "shell") or a malware issue. I'd assume that it was a registry issue, but your detailed description brings some doubt to that.

IMO the easiest fix (workaround actually) would be to add explorer.exe to your Startup folder. That way it'll start each time that you logon.

IAmJah · Oct 27, 2009

Okay. Everytime I try to add explorer.exe to my startup folder, it gives me "You must give permission" So I give it permission, then it tells me it cannot move because I don't have permission. I'll add screen shots in order as they appear to me. Ignore the missing icons, they're hidden by my doing. I drag "explorer" to the top startup menu (first photo. You'll notice there are two. One is a shortcut from somewhere.) in the second photo, I click on "continue." It give me a window with "User Account Control" which I cannot take a screen shot during. It locks out access to everything else. The two options are "Continue" and "Cancel." I click on "Continue" and it brings me the third photo. Every time I click "Try Again" it gives me the same thing. The image momentarily minimizes, then restores, and gives me the same "Try Again" or "Cancel" Options. I cannot drag explorer to the StartUp menu, and when I try to access the Startup menu from the Control Pannel, it only gives me the options to Change or Remove already existing programs.

Brink · Oct 27, 2009

Jah,

You only want to Copy it and not Move it.

"Deleted" Desktop

IAmJah

New Member

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My Computer

System One

Brink

My Computers

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IAmJah

New Member

My Computer

System One

Brink

My Computers

System One System Two

IAmJah

New Member

My Computer

System One

Deception

My Computer

System One

usasma

Old and cranky

My Computer

System One

IAmJah

New Member

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My Computer

System One

Brink

My Computers

System One System Two