Member Avatar for merns2

I am running Windows XP and after downloading service pack 3 I have not been able to access the control panel, My Computer, My Pictures, etc. When I right click on Start and then left click on "Explore" I get an error message and cannot drill down. I run Trend Micro Security Pro as virus protection. I have used System Restore to go back to an earlier configuration but the problem persists. After reading threads here at daniweb I have downloaded Spybot and have run that and have cleaned up a few viruses. I have downloaded Hijack This and have run that as well. Can anyone offer some help ?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

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Summary of what happened and why the fix makes sense: lost access to Explorer items (My Computer, Control Panel, folder browsing) after installing SP3, tried restore and malware tools, and ultimately repaired the installation by running the System File Checker to restore corrupted system files. ’s suggestion to check Safe Mode was also useful diagnostic-wise — when the same symptoms occur in Safe Mode it usually points to damaged core files or registry-level restrictions rather than just a third-party shell extension.

Follow-up checks and practical next steps (post-repair)

  • Confirm the repair held: review the component store log at %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log for any “cannot repair” notes and check the system properties / winver to ensure the service-pack state is correct.
  • Verify disk integrity by scheduling a disk check (for example, chkdsk with a fix option) and rebooting. Bad sectors can corrupt files that breaks Explorer.
  • Run a current, offline/rootkit-capable virus scan (bootable rescue media from a reputable vendor) to rule out persistent malware that hides UI elements.
  • If problems are user-specific, test by creating a new local account — that isolates profile corruption.
  • Check Explorer policy keys before editing the registry: look under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer and HKLM\...Policies\Explorer for values like NoControlPanel or NoViewOnDrive that can hide Control Panel/Drives (always back up the registry first).
  • If Explorer still misbehaves on right-clicks or context menus, selectively disable non-Microsoft shell extensions (tools such as ShellExView are commonly used for this).

When to consider reinstall or repair-install
If corruption keeps recurring or SFC cannot replace critical files, plan a repair (in-place) install or a clean reinstall. Before reapplying SP3, make sure the base XP install is clean and fully patched; always back up personal data first.

Cautions and prevention
Back up important data and create a restore point before major updates. Keep antivirus definitions current and scan before installing service packs. The approach that fixed this case — repairing system files — is appropriate when Windows UI components fail across normal and Safe Mode sessions.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

well if it happened after you install sp3 then why are you running spyware tools ,did you try hitting f8 on startup and go to safe mode ,see if you can ,and if you can go to control panel see what happens ,if you can go to add and remove programs and uninstall sp3 . and if that does nothing for you go to antivirus/spyware and other nasties of this forum and read the top stickies and do as suggested .do not post hijackthis log here .
http://www.daniweb.com/forums/forum64.html

Member Avatar for merns2

I used system restore and went back to my set up before I downloaded SP3 and I believe that means that the SP3 updates are not running now . When I go into safe mode I have the same problems - cannot access My Computer, My documents, control panel etc. I figured I had a virus and ran the spyware tools.

Right now I do not know for sure if this is an SP3 related problem or a virus issue and not sure what top stickies I should follow.

Member Avatar for merns2

Ok, problem is solved. I ran SFC/scannow and the problems seems to be solved.

Thanks.

Member Avatar for caperjack

ok,

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