PC Gurus - Issue with explorer.exe

[FoSHO99]

My parents vista 64 PC was on during a power loss and since then it has had an explorer.exe problem. Everytime the pc is started, the "explorer.exe application has failed, click ok to terminate the application comes up" So you log in and the screen goes black because explorer.exe is what runs the start menu/background/desktop icons/taskbar.

I've tried a system restore, using last known good configuration and both didn't work. If i boot into safe mode, it works fine. After researching and dicking around, I found that if I boot up, open task manager, show all processes for users, click "allow" then it shows process MsMpEng.exe which I "End" then go back and click new task, run explorer.exe everything comes back to normal. I've updated Microsoft security essentials and am about to uninstall it, but I just thought I would try to see if anyone else has suggestions or came across this before I go further.

If I just go to task manager, click new task then run explorer.exe it doesn't work.

Thanks!

[NegativeOne13]

I'd say get a Vista x64 repair/recovery disk, and try to repair the operating system partition.

[J GTP]

I would try running sfc /scannow from command prompt. Windows may be able to detect and fix the problem on its own. You might need a Windows 7 disc to do it.

[LowRidinCrew]

Do what J GTP says, but if you cant see buttons still, press CTRL + ALT + DEL and Task manager then select run and enter explorer.exe and press enter

[rynoman03]

Your windows installation is probably corrupt. Save everything you can or want and re-install windows. Easiest fix and most effective. Anymore that's all I do. It saves me so many headaches. Esp with Virus removals or Windows problems.

[Odi]

^^ iexplorer.exe does not equal explorer.exe

[rynoman03]

I caught that and edited Odi lol. Sorry I had a brain fart...