Explorer.exe Application failed to initialize properly

[Raziaar]

I am trying to fix a friends computer, whom has a problem that they cannot see their desktop or icons, and the only way they can access anything(which isnt all things), is ctrl-alt-delete, and using the run new process thing.

When the operating system loads up, it has the error:

Explorer.exe The application failed to initialize properly 0xc0000005 Click on ok to terminate the App.

Once this is done, no desktop, no desktop icons. Running explorer again in the run new task thing prompts the same error, as does running other programs as well, for the most part. Safe mode does the exact same thing.

I have a windows xp CD I am trying to use(mine, not theirs) to run a repair install of windows, but it prompts me for an administrator password when I try to do it, for that drive. She doesn't know the password, gave me all possible ones it could be. Nothing works. I have since used a program that resets the password or changes it with an administrator disk, and that doesn't even seem to change it.

Without that password, whatever it is, I can't seem to get in to do a repair install.

Please help!

 

[Cole]

If their is no password on the computer then don't type one in.

I'd say there is a virus. I'd just google Explorer.exe and find it and download it put that on a disc and overwite his(To do this without Explorer, hit Ctrl Alt Delete, click new task, click browse, and then find the file click Ctrl C(Copy), and paste it(Ctrl V) in C:\Windows and overwrite.
I think that would work.

 

[Raziaar]

If I don't enter a password, and just push enter. It says incorrect password. after three attempts, I have to reboot the system. And it takes forever to log into the bootup windows XP cd.

 

[Codcommando]

Pretty sure you should reinstall windows

 

[giant384]

dont just reinstall windows format the whole drive and install

 

[Raziaar]

Dude people, I can't do this. There are important things on the computer that I need to recover and backup before I did this, if I was even allowed to do this(not sure if they want me to). And I can't back up any of that stuff if explorer.exe isn't working. It just won't let me.

 

[Cole]

Then do what I told you,
"I'd just google Explorer.exe and find it and download it put that on a disc and overwite his(To do this without Explorer, hit Ctrl Alt Delete, click new task, click browse, and then find the file click Ctrl C(Copy), and paste it(Ctrl V) in C:\Windows and overwrite."

That will work.
The hardest part is googling for explorer.exe but you could always try mine.

 

[Raziaar]

I'll try that. I can use my explorer.exe


EDIT: Nope, I replaced the explorer.exe and the same problem happens. I've tried everything, short of reformatting... Nothing is working. Windows shows the files as being legit.