Member Avatar for kuryj

Recently I completely unplugged my computer when I moved my desk (home renovations). When I reconnected it and switched on the power my desktop picture came up but nothing else!!!!
No start bar or icons. I've tried everything and when I pressed the windows button its like its working I just can't see it. I pressed it and then arrowed up a bit pressed enter and must've fluked it and hit the internet browser which opened and works as per usual.
I can add new items to the desktop but when I try to open them, get the busy signal, ie its working, but nothing, can't see anything.

Please help me. I have a samsung flat screen monitor. It was a pain installing and I had trouble getting it to work in the first place but now I am at a loss as to what to try next.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by chrishea

Dani AI

Generated

Quick read: the wallpaper-but-no-taskbar symptom usually points to one of three things — the Windows shell (explorer.exe) not running or crashing, windows being drawn off-screen because Windows still thinks a second monitor is attached, or a graphics driver/hardware output problem. described behaviour that fits these causes, and echoed the key symptom. As recommended, check hardware seating and cables first to separate hardware from software.

Try these steps in order:

  1. Restart Explorer: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, choose File > New Task, enter explorer.exe. If the taskbar returns, check Event Viewer for crashes and run sfc /scannow from an elevated command prompt to repair system files.
  2. Pull windows back on-screen: press Win+P repeatedly to cycle display modes; use Alt+Tab to pick a window then Alt+Space, M and arrow keys to move it into view; Win+Left/Right can snap windows back.
  3. Safe Mode test: boot with F8 into Safe Mode. If the desktop is normal there, uninstall the display driver and install the latest driver from the GPU maker.
  4. Hardware/cable checks: ensure the monitor cable is plugged into the video card (not the motherboard), try another cable or monitor, and reseat the GPU and monitor connectors.
  5. If nothing works: back up data, then use Windows install media to run Repair or System Restore.

Caution: back up personal files before running repairs or reinstalling Windows, and avoid registry edits unless comfortable.

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Member Avatar for zzj0770

I can add new items to the desktop but when I try to open them, get the busy signal, ie its working, but nothing, can't see anything.

Member Avatar for chrishea

If it was as simple as 1. everything worked fine. 2. Turn it of normally, disconnect the wires and move it 3. reconnect the wires and boot it up: then it is more likely a hardware problem than software. I'd certainly start by checking that the video card (and any other cards) are all still seated corrected and that all of the physical connections are correct and tight. If nothing changes, then you could try booting from your install disk just to see what happens on the screen. It would be surprising if it displayed everything fine in that case but if it did, you would have to reconsider what might be wrong. In that case, you could try running the repair option to see what that finds.

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