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Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:55 pm
by SM-Count
When I start up my computer I get an error box that says explorer.exe failed to launch. I then task manager->new task to start explorer up, which works well. However, I want to fix this eventually, so anyone know what's the issue?

I have googled this and nothing has worked for me on the tech forums that pop up; most of the tips have me reformat / repair windows, I don't want to reformat and repairing did nothing.

I would post this in Tech Help, but the population this is about 2.

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:18 pm
by ImmortalKiller
I'm sorry if this is irrelevant, but after a little google searching:


http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm? ... 459&page=1

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:25 pm
by SM-Count
Yeah, I saw that one also. I don't have spyware / adware and I was hoping to avoid a system restore.

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:29 pm
by ImmortalKiller
Unfortunately, a system restore seems like the best option you've got...


You got a BAAAD porn virus! /jk

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:55 pm
by poehalcho
...just a randomthing you can try:

open with run and then use taskmanager to close it, then see if it goes on it's own...? it doesn't sound very logical, but these kind of weird solutions tend to work for my computer.
probably the best way to fix it is by restarting the programm that auto-activates it.

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:02 pm
by iGod
See what services are set to run at startup (run->msconfig) turn off everything you don't need. If you have msn running at startup, turn it off too, it caused me some problems in the past, the pc would just freeze up because of it.

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:13 pm
by StealMySoda
When 'editing' services it's usually better to use services.msc(type it in run), and if editing start up programs like msn(change the settings in the program itself), or for background programs disable them using something like ccleaner.

Anyway to OP, check that you haven't switched off any critical services.

Re: Can't launch explorer

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:37 pm
by SM-Count
I don't touch that stuff mainly because I'm not tech savy enough to know what I'm doing. The computer started fine today... I dunno, I'll disable some start up things and see if that helps.