Member Avatar for yvesk

my computer dosn't show desktop icons even the task bar when i switch it on.It's a windows xp.It only shows a desktop background picture.Before this problem started it was saying that it's low on memory.I tried to delete some things but still that message didn't go away.Now they are no icons.Please help.Thanks in advance.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by akhilesh.tripathi.58555

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Brief, safe diagnostic sequence for Windows XP systems that boot to wallpaper but show no icons or taskbar. Several earlier replies rightly pointed at simple display toggles (, ) and registry/service troubleshooting (). When those quick checks don’t fix the problem, use an ordered approach that isolates whether Explorer itself, the user profile, system files, or malware is at fault — and preserve data before any reformat.

First, attempt to start the shell manually (if Task Manager is available): open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → File → New Task, run:

explorer.exe

If the desktop and taskbar return, the persistent culprit is usually the Winlogon shell entry. Confirm (and export before changing) this registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Value name: Shell
Expected value: explorer.exe

If Explorer will not start, check whether desktop items still exist on disk (per-user and shared desktop):

dir "C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Desktop"
dir "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop"

If files are present but not drawn, run System File Checker from an elevated command prompt (sfc /scannow — Windows XP CD required) and test whether a newly created local user account shows a normal desktop (Control Panel → User Accounts, or from a command prompt: net user TestUser TestPass /add).

When malware or registry-hive corruption is suspected (especially after repeated "low on memory" warnings as reported by ), back up user data first (bootable Linux/Live USB or attach the drive to another PC), scan from offline rescue media, then attempt System Restore or an XP repair install. Registry edits and offline repairs carry risk — always export keys and copy important files before proceeding. This advice expands on earlier suggestions while avoiding an immediate full format unless data recovery and all targeted repairs fail.

Recommended Answers

All 16 Replies

Member Avatar for Member #127113

Please ensure the 'show desktop icons' is marked or not.
To check right click on desktop and select arrange icons by > and see show desktop icons is marked or not.

Member Avatar for arsalan.khi

windows xp is not showing icons on desktop

Member Avatar for gerbil

Do you have the Start button and lower task bar showing?

Member Avatar for gerbil

Oops, you did say the task bar is not showing when you start yur sys. Okay, that is likely a reg key at fault, one that autostarts explorer. I can give you the likely registry edit directly, else you can run this program which will show us other settings that may be incorrect [and enable us to fix them]:
==download hijackthis: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5554.html
-copy it to a new FOLDER placed either alongside your program files or on your desktop and then...
-in that folder start HijackThis by dclicking the .exe
-CLOSE ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS and any open windows including the explorer window containing HijackThis.
-click the Scan and Save a Logfile button. Post the log here.

Member Avatar for markpeterson

Just Format the disk and install a new copy of your operating system :)

Member Avatar for gerbil

For a representative of a software firm you offer rather bland solutions. Format and reinstall, indeed, for lost icons!!

Member Avatar for happyrock

When Windows Explorer and Explorer.exe refuses to run and no icons or taskbar are showing...
press CTRL+ALT+DEL to start Task Manager...click File ... New Task...Run...Type in regedit and click OK
Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs

Right click ObjectName in the details pane ... Click Modify ... type in LocalSystem in the Value field ... Click OK and reboot

Member Avatar for gerbil

I'd be tempted to leave that object as "ObjectName"="NT Authority\\NetworkService"

Member Avatar for NotPCSavvy

Hi, I had a similar problem but it has escalated to the point where not only can I not see the taskbar, icons and desktop items, I can't even get into task manager (ctrl+alt+delete). I tried opening in all the safe mode options and now it doesnt even get to my normal screen with my desktop background. it's stuck on the hp screen. Using XP. I don't remember what I was doing before this happened. Any ideas? I cant format or run apps on it as I cant open anything.. HELP PLEASE

Member Avatar for gerbil

TM: Try Ctrl-Shift-Esc.

Member Avatar for marcellarhughes

do a right click on the desktop, Arrange Icons by, then check the "Show desktop icons". Hope it helps.

Marcella Hughes

Edited by Ezzaral because: Snipped 'fake sig' link. Please restrict such links to your site-wide user signature, which can be edited from the user control panel.
Member Avatar for Edge330

I had this problem,but I solve it clicking right click on destop --> View --> Shot destop icons

Member Avatar for Spazzeroony

This is mainly caused by a virus infection. The best thing to do is to completely format your HDD (and preferrably a low level format) and re-install a new copy of Windows, then get yourself a proper anti-virus like ESET NOD32 from www.eset.com.

commented: poor advice + very old thread -2
Member Avatar for marc.punzirudu

Could also be caused by a corrupted registry user hive
see:

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