explorer.exe wont load - w/ hijackthis log...

for the explorer.exe I get two files, 1,880,576 each.

for userinit.exe I get two files, 24,576 each

 

I also bought a copy of windows xp home, im afraid too put it in though because I dont want it to start installing automatically or something and erase everything on my HD.

Is there anyway to just "repair" my copy of windows, and not delete any of my data?

 

Here's mine:

Directory of C:\WINDOWS

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 1,032,192 explorer.exe
1 File(s) 1,032,192 bytes

Directory of C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 1,032,192 explorer.exe
1 File(s) 1,032,192 bytes

Directory of C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\dllcache

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 1,032,192 explorer.exe
1 File(s) 1,032,192 bytes


and


Directory of C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 24,576 userinit.exe
1 File(s) 24,576 bytes

Directory of C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 24,576 userinit.exe
1 File(s) 24,576 bytes

Directory of C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\dllcache

08/04/2004 01:56 AM 24,576 userinit.exe
1 File(s) 24,576 bytes

As for explorer.exe, you absolutely must have the one in the Windows folder, the others are gravy.

You didn't give enough detail but it looks like something may have installed some substitute file for your explorer.exe. but I can't be sure without more details. Your userinit.exe looks the same as mine so it may be OK.

As for the Repair Install, there are several site that give good advice and step by step directions. Try MichaelStevens for one.

 

I tried dir /s explorer.exe again and I only get one file.

Directory of c:\windows
1 file - 1,880,576 explorer.exe

So I guess im missing some explorer.exe files.

Is there anyway I can download them and then put them in the folders they need to be in?

 

The only one you really need is the one found in the Windows directory. The point is, you must be certain that it is a MS certified file and not a trojan or worm. Right click it and select "Properties" and review its pedigree.

You cannot DL files like this legally so you will have to use the tool that MS supplied for replacing system files. That would be using the sfc /scannow command. That will check your drive for any corrupt or missing system files. You will need to supply that install CD that you just bought, when it asks for it. Be patient, the command take several minutes to complete.

 

I tried the sfc/scannow and it asked me to put in the SP2 CD so I put it in, and then about halfway through it asked for a Windows XP Home CD (non SP2 I guess) and I dont know why the one I had didnt work.

Im not at home right now I will try to find that explorer.exe file and view the properties when I get home