Urgh... Vista

When I boot up my laptop all I get is a blank canvas (I previously had set wallpaper) and a documents folder window.

I can't right click on the background and there is no startmenu. Picture

Do I need to defrag or something?

I've no idea how to fix this.

I had this problem before its vista's lock down mode when it thinks its a cracked copy or not legit. Mine was caused a virus or something I downloaded but forgot how I fixed it was pretty easy to fix tho

edit: try this

http://thebackroomtech.com/2008/12/3...eath-aka-ksod/

Vista came with my laptop and I bought it brand new from Dell, so being cracked can't be the problem.

I do however remember fiddeling about with what happens when I close the lid, I wanted to change it from sleep to just shutting down completely.

I'll see If playing around with those will fix. Thanks for the tip.

Can you ctrl, alt + delete?

If you can - check if explorer.exe is running in the Processes tab.

If not, try boot up in safe mode and see what that does.

explorer.exe is running.

Let me know if you can't access regedit.

Try this: Click start and type REGEDIT, then hit <enter> to open the
registry editor. Expand the keys at left by clicking the plus (+) signs to
reach this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Click on this key and locate the 'shell' string in the right pane. Double
click it, replace the contents with just

explorer.exe

Click ok, then close the registry editor and reboot.

"c:\windows\regedit.exe" - future reference to anyone who stumbles upon this without a start bar.

Thanks, Patrick. It worked!

Originally Posted by Dan "c:\windows\regedit.exe" - future reference to anyone who stumbles upon this without a start bar. Thanks, Patrick. It worked!

Woot Woot

Originally Posted by Dan I've no idea how to fix this.

Install LINUX

Originally Posted by quentin123 Install LINUX

Install Windows 7 beta