Member Avatar for mav52

Windows XP SP2 . ALL Desktop Icons and toolbar disappear when using AOL. PS , AOL is still usable after desptop disappears. I have to go to the task manager and restart to get the desktop back. PS, I checked Show desktop icons and it's is checked, help what to do ?

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Dani AI

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Reported context from : on Windows XP SP2 the desktop icons and taskbar vanish while running AOL; restoring the desktop by restarting Explorer via Task Manager is used as a temporary fix. correctly highlighted malware as one possible cause; since scans were reportedly clean, the next diagnostics should focus on isolating third‑party components, driver or shell faults and capturing system log evidence.

Suggested, ordered checklist (try earlier items first):

  1. Boot to Safe Mode and run the same AOL action. If the issue does not appear, a third‑party driver or startup item is implicated.
  2. Perform a Clean Boot (run msconfig, hide Microsoft services, disable remaining services and all nonessential Startup items) and restart to see if the conflict disappears.
  3. Test with a fresh local user account to rule out a corrupted profile or per‑user shell extension.
  4. Inspect Event Viewer (Application and System) around the time the desktop vanishes; note faulting modules, error codes or timestamps (eventvwr.msc).
  5. Run System File Checker from an elevated prompt: 
    sfc /scannow
  6. Update or roll back the video/display driver via Device Manager — GPU drivers often trigger shell instability when they fail.
  7. For shell/toolbar conflicts, disable non‑Microsoft shell extensions (use a reputable utility that lists shell extensions) and disable nonessential startup items from Autoruns.

Advanced diagnostics and recovery:

  • Monitor Explorer with Process Explorer to see if it exits or leaks handles prior to the disappearance. Capture any crash/minidump or Event Viewer details for the exact faulting module.
  • System Restore to a point before the problem began or a Windows repair install are last resorts if corruption is found.
  • Maintain a current backup of user data; note that Windows XP reached end of support on April 8, 2014, so security and compatibility concerns are an important long‑term consideration.

Collecting exact reproduction steps, timestamps and any Event Viewer entries will make root‑cause diagnosis far more effective.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for sittas87

have you scan the HDD for viruses?what happens when you uninstall AOL?if its still the same than a virus scan is almost a definite

Member Avatar for mav52

Mcafee runs constantly on my desk top and I have scanned my harddrive and no virus are there. I also run CounterSpy and it also shows nothing.

Member Avatar for sittas87

how does it behave when you uninstall AOL?
??

Member Avatar for sittas87

ohk Mav52 Im I did some research specially for you so hope I can make you happy and alternatively solve your prob with this info:

1)download superantispyware and run a full system scan [If it finds a vundo virus cleans,quarantine it than you may be well on your way for a winner]

2)seems explorer.exe crashes

Ill stick with you on this one so post reply

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