Desktop icons missing

[Charlie Rowe]

Sometimes, when I log into one of my WinXP user accounts, the desktop
appears, with no icons and no taskbar. For me, Crtl-Atl-Del does not work,
nor does the Windows key bring a response.

I only have this problem with my user account that has a Windows XP Theme in
its Appearance settings in the Display properties. Also, I do not have the
problem if I boot the computer and log first into this account. I have the
problem if I log first into another account that uses the Windows Classic
Theme, then log off this account, then log into the Windows XP Theme account.

I believe that the problem is that the Theme Service is hanging. This
service is needed in order to have the Windows XP Theme available. If you
disable this Service through Administrative Tools, you will not see the XP
Theme available as a choice in your Appearance settings.

For me, I think my ZoneAlarm firewall is stopping the Themes Service in some
way. If I turn off ZoneAlarm, no problem. Also, with ZoneAlarm on, if I
disconnect the network cable before booting my computer, no problem.

Why the Themes Service tries to connect to the network is beyond me.

Also, I am using the free, downloaded version of ZoneAlarm.

I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on all this; it certainly has caused
me hours of frustration.

Thanks,
Charlie Rowe

[Kelly]

How interesting, Charlie. I have seen systems/profiles doing this after
running spyware cleaners but not related to ZA. And the Themes service is
the only one disabled. Wrote a script for it.

Do you have cleaners that run upon exit or reboot? Also, under both
profiles is the Theme service enabled and running? That asked, what does
the ZA forum say?

Added info:

This generally has to do with display drivers. If you have recently done so
or ran the MS updates to do so, try a rollback via the Device Manager. If
this is not the case, use Ctrl/Alt/Delete and end process on Explorer.exe if
it is listed and either way, then go to File/New Task (Run) and type in:
Explorer.exe.

Explorer.exe repeatedly quits unexpectedly in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883791

If still nothing:

Restore Taskbar and Desktop to Default Functionality (Line 164)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

To use the VBS Files: Download .vbs file and save it to your hard drive (you
may want to right click and use Save Target As). Double click the vbs
file. You will be prompted when the script is done.

NOTE: If your anti-virus software warns you of a "malicious" script, this
is normal if you have "Script Safe" or similar technology enabled. These
scripts are not malicious, but they do make changes to the System Registry.

Added info and help:

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

Good luck, Charlie and keep us posted.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com


"Charlie Rowe" > wrote in message
...
> Sometimes, when I log into one of my WinXP user accounts, the desktop
> appears, with no icons and no taskbar. For me, Crtl-Atl-Del does not
> work,
> nor does the Windows key bring a response.
>
> I only have this problem with my user account that has a Windows XP Theme
> in
> its Appearance settings in the Display properties. Also, I do not have
> the
> problem if I boot the computer and log first into this account. I have
> the
> problem if I log first into another account that uses the Windows Classic
> Theme, then log off this account, then log into the Windows XP Theme
> account.
>
> I believe that the problem is that the Theme Service is hanging. This
> service is needed in order to have the Windows XP Theme available. If you
> disable this Service through Administrative Tools, you will not see the XP
> Theme available as a choice in your Appearance settings.
>
> For me, I think my ZoneAlarm firewall is stopping the Themes Service in
> some
> way. If I turn off ZoneAlarm, no problem. Also, with ZoneAlarm on, if I
> disconnect the network cable before booting my computer, no problem.
>
> Why the Themes Service tries to connect to the network is beyond me.
>
> Also, I am using the free, downloaded version of ZoneAlarm.
>
> I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on all this; it certainly has
> caused
> me hours of frustration.
>
> Thanks,
> Charlie Rowe

[Charlie Rowe]

Kelly,

Thanks for the response. Mine is a new computer and I have not installed
any spyware cleaners on it. The Themes service is shown as having been
started under either one of my user accounts.

I can't make use of any of your other suggestions because my keyboard is
unresponsive. However, my mouse does move (it does not activate the taskbar
on any of the 4 screen edges.)

I was intrigued by your mention of Knowledge Base article 883791. That
article mentions a registry key called "UseDesktopIniCache." That key might
be my problem. But, I don't have that key. I don't even have the "Policies"
under HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.

Do you know how I can learn more about the "UseDesktopIniCache" Key? I
search Microsoft and I google, to no avail.

Thanks,
Charlie Rowe

[Kelly]

Most welcome, Charlie.

Having no policies, simply means you have not used gpedit.msc or tweaks,
etc. Not an issue. As for your keyboard being unresponsive, that is
another problematic area. I would suggest trying another one, preferably
PS2 and then posting back. Good luck in the meantime.

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com


"Charlie Rowe" > wrote in message
...
> Kelly,
>
> Thanks for the response. Mine is a new computer and I have not installed
> any spyware cleaners on it. The Themes service is shown as having been
> started under either one of my user accounts.
>
> I can't make use of any of your other suggestions because my keyboard is
> unresponsive. However, my mouse does move (it does not activate the
> taskbar
> on any of the 4 screen edges.)
>
> I was intrigued by your mention of Knowledge Base article 883791. That
> article mentions a registry key called "UseDesktopIniCache." That key
> might
> be my problem. But, I don't have that key. I don't even have the
> "Policies"
> under HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.
>
> Do you know how I can learn more about the "UseDesktopIniCache" Key? I
> search Microsoft and I google, to no avail.
>
> Thanks,
> Charlie Rowe