I have a problem to resolve quickly. The Compaq computer is running XP SP2
with 512 MB RAM and plenty of free space on its hard drive. After logging
in, the taskbar and the desktop icons (aliases) do not display. I can use
the task manager to run tasks manually. I have removed all spyware and
viruses and have used various diagnostics tools to help pinpoint problem
areas. I also downloaded and installed the latest XP security patches.

The problem seems to start when a netgear wireless card was installed. I was
able to un-install the hardware and software and removed the associated
registry entries, however, I still can't get the taskbar and desktop icons
to appear. If I manually use the pcdoctor utility and try to manually access
the control panel, the taskbar and icons flash momentarilly but I can get
them to appear long enough to access them.

I tried the workarounds suggested via Microsoft's knowledgebase and I need
some assistance.

There are numerous jpegs, mp3 and movie files on this computer, and I want
to avoid having to back it up and re-install the operating system.

Thanks in advance for your prompt reply.

Gary O'Connor
goconnor7@hotmail.com

Hi gconnor and welcome to PCHF, I'll be gone for the evening but a quick diagnostic question so the other readers can get a bit more insight into your problem
1. When you start a new task called explorer does it stay running? (desktop, icons etc.)
2. What spwyare/viruses did you remove and how
3. Did you happen to be using the program hitman pro?
4. You say you removed registry entries, this could cause a problem, have you tried systemrestore?
Good luck, Bram

Hi S-luke and welcome to PCHF, since gconner doesn't have a startmenu available he needs to act as in my post:
1. start an new task called explorer
2. that way you'll have access to the systemrestore option
or
1. Press F8 during boot and select system restore
Anyway I'll be on my way, hope some of this advice works,

When I tried a system restore, it would not let me select a date to restore back to. The wireless card is out, and the software driver, files and registry entries are removed. I can run applications under the new task option in task manager, however, it is a bit cumberson.

I ran antivirus scans from Norton and AVG, I ran spybot doctor and Ad Aware for spyware and malware. I ran a registry diagnostic tool, Registry Fix.
I was also able to do windows updates although not through explorer, but AOlexplorer.

The taskbar and missing icons are not set as autohide.

Did the problem start immediately after installing the wireless card , or a little later?

And do you remember what registry entrys , and also what malware you have removed?