DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Explorer.exe Disabled in Vista Enterprise

5 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/explorer-exe-disabled-in-vista-enterprise.109098/

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pcguru Original post #1
Feb 21, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I am using Vista Enterprise Edition. When I log on, desktop does not appear, for this to happen , i have to open task manager and run the file 'Explorer.exe'. Then desktop appears. Whats the problem.
Amir.php
Feb 21, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Try this:
a) create a shortcut to Explorer.exe on your desktop
b) right click on the shortcut and choose 'Properties' and click on the 'Shortcut' tab
c) you will see the default '%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe' in the 'Target:' field
d) change the value to: C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /n, /e, c:\
e) click OK and exit
6
6laz3r #3
Feb 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM
start regedit and check these values

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

on the right side check these strings

"Shell" should be "explorer.exe"
"Userinit" should be "c:\windows\system32\userinit.exe"

let us if this works... otherwise will find something else
P
pcguru #4
Feb 21, 2009 at 4:39 PM
start regedit and check these values

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

on the right side check these strings

"Shell" should be "explorer.exe"
"Userinit" should be "c:\windows\system32\userinit.exe"

let us if this works... otherwise will find something else
Excellant Solution it was. Explorer.exe was in the "Shell"but along with a string C:Windows\Config\crrss.exe. I deleted that extra string and It worked well
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6laz3r #5
Feb 21, 2009 at 11:51 PM
good to know that this resolved the issue... but be careful... that crrss.exe is a virus/malware... it's trying to pass as csrss.exe which is a windows subsystem file... better run an anti-virus scan quick before it infects something else...