Why won't my desktop come up?

Question

Whenever I try to start up my computer a white screen instead of the desktop comes up. I tried running it through safe moade and changing the wallpaper it worked for awhile but when I tired to start it up again the white screen came up again this time it won't let me go through safe mode. I don't know whats wrong or how to fix it.

Answer 1

It is called the El Cheapo Virus. These viruses intends to strike computers whose owners are the descendants of Ebenezzer Scrooge.

You got a virus. Boot up and hit f10.
Try to go to RESTORE if you can. Then you go back a week and see what happens. Restore is like a time machine that takes you back where you want at points that have been saved. Hopefully, that you can go back before the virus hit you.

If not, then I would do a complete RECOVERY. There are two types.
There is the soft recovery where you keep the programs and files but lost a lot of data.
Then there is the hard recovery, where you lose EVERYTHING. The computer drive is reformatted and set to factory specifications. Then you have to begin the process of reloading everything again.

I used to have your problems. Yea, I used the freeware virus programs, but always had problems. I broke down and got Norton anti virus as it sits in the background preventing ANYTHING from sneaking in. I run it once a week, with AVG. I have not caught one virus yet. Not like before and I have had no problem yet in the 6 months that I have had Nortons. The free stuff removes viruses AFTER they have gotten in your computer. Norton prevents them from getting on in the first place. I run a full scan for general principle once a week. Works for me. But you need a program that is passive (sits in the background ready to kick some virus butt from getting in the computer). There are others too.

Anyway, if you do the hard recovery, then the first thing is to load Norton's FULL 15 day trial anti-virus program and upload the new definitions then I think you have to reboot. Then when you finally get it running, start loading the windows updates ASAP, and not your games. Windows has security fixes that Norton's does not handle. Have fun.

Answer 2

Sounds like a virus, possibly malware... Any other symptoms than just a white desktop background?

Also, it is possible your HDD might have a problem.

I would suggest what one of the other answers already said, open windows explorer, save what you need to an external device or CD, and start over with a new install of windows. If you have the system restore CD that likely came with your computer, use that. It will have everything you need to start from scratch and will likely reformat your hard drive, which would effectively kill any virus and/or possible bug your computer has developed over time.

I would give yourself a couple of hours to do this, because the install takes time and you have personalize XP again and all that good stuff.

The reason I suggest this is because it gives your computer an opportunity to start fresh. Since Safe Mode is having problems I bet the problem might not be an easy fix so this may be your best bet.

Good Luck w/ your computer!

Answer 3

Actually, if you look you will find that NO new client pc's (thats desktops and laptops) come with XP licences. Microsoft have stopped manufacturers shipping new units with XP installed. You can however get Vista with XP downgrade rights, but you need Vista Business or Vista Ultimate, these will cost extra and its probably cheaper to buy the correct spec of laptop. Most people who mock Vista tried very early versions which to be honest were very buggy to say the least. Now however it is a very good OS. If you are buying a NEW client machine with XP installed for home use, be very careful, it could be either a:old stock or b:not genuine licensing. It is highly unlikely you will be offered Vista Ultimate with XP downgrade unless you specifically ask for it, likewise, Vista Business is for Business, not home use, so again highly unlikely.

Answer 4

I am asuming that you are using windowsXP as you have not mentioned. The desktop does not show up if windows explorer fails to start. When you reach that blank screen press Ctrl+Alt+Del and click Task manager. In the tasks tab click new task and write down, C:\windows\explorer.exe . It will open My computer like window. You can do everything here just your desktop wont show. Take backup of your drive on which Windows is installed. Then reinstall fresh windows. After that dont access any other partition. First of all get this Antivirus. www.free-av.com then update it when prompted. After that scan you whole system. Your system will work like lightening and without any problem.

Answer 5

You can't TURN ON your computer? well, your computer might be a lesbo! they like girls! LOL

Answer 6

reinstall your operating system, or if you can get into system restore do that

Answer 7

monitor maybe?