Blank Desktop no Task manager

[Guest Chris]

Server 2003 standard

 

Here are my symptons:

 

When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either directly or

thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete the

windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager nothing

happens.

 

I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a last known

good start up.

 

Here is the he hisotory as it is...

 

Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I tired

it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I started to follow

the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them was to clean out my temps.

I ran a program I use called CleanUp4. This just takes out cookies and temp

files, nothing else. I've used it for years.

 

I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to reinstall the

program.

 

So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.

 

I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may not be

starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.

 

Any ideas oth there?

 

Chris

[Guest Ace Fekay [MVP]]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

In news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com,

Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> Server 2003 standard

>

> Here are my symptons:

>

> When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either

> directly or thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a

> ctl/alt/delete the windows security window comes up but when I select

> Task Manager nothing happens.

>

> I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a

> last known good start up.

>

> Here is the he hisotory as it is...

>

> Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I

> tired it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I

> started to follow the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them

> was to clean out my temps. I ran a program I use called CleanUp4.

> This just takes out cookies and temp files, nothing else. I've used

> it for years.

>

> I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to

> reinstall the program.

>

> So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.

>

> I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may

> not be starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.

>

> Any ideas oth there?

>

> Chris

 

Does this occur for any account or just the admin account?

 

Since you can't get into Task Mgr, you can't even get to a CMD prompt, or

can you? IF so, look at this article (I know you have 2003, but worth a

peek):

No Desktop or Blank Desktop After Logging On to Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256194

 

Apparently the install got hosed possibly because of something else stopping

the installation, such as another AV program, Windows Defender, or something

else that stopped a portion of the installation enough to corrupt it and

leave the system in an unstable state.

 

What other apps is running on this server that may or may not have

interfered? Is it a DC, is Exchange installed, SQL, etc? Windows Defender

installed? Some other 3rd party antispyware? Did you get in touch with AVG

again after following their first set of instructions to fix it? If so, what

did they say?

 

Since this is a server, I assume you have a backup of the System State? If

so, restore it please.

 

If not, and AVG is not being helpful with their own product's messup,

possibly reinstalling the system as an upgrade (not a reinstall) by putting

the original Windows 2003 Std CDROM in, boot up, and choose R to repair the

installation (I believe you have to hit R twice), which will simply refresh

the OS and save current profiles, settings, services, etc. Re-run any

service packs and updates afterwards.

 

--

Regards,

Ace

 

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and

confers no rights.

 

Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT,

MVP Microsoft MVP - Directory Services

Microsoft Certified Trainer

 

For urgent issues, you may want to contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please

check http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

 

Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations

[Guest Calab]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

 

"Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...

| Server 2003 standard

|

| Here are my symptons:

|

| When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either directly

or

| thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete the

| windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager nothing

| happens.

 

Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that were

fixed with an "sfc /scannow"

[Guest Chris]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

Dear Ace -

 

I'm in the safe mode command line but I'm out of my depth as far as

understanding how to type in commands of any type here. To be honest I'm not

sure what a system state backup is so I'm lost there as well.

 

This issue occurs for all accounts I've tried.

 

This is a Domian server but the only programs running are logmein. Nothing

else, no exchange or SQL or AV nothing.

 

What will I lose if I run the repair from the install CD?

 

Will I lose my Directory etc?

 

Data is on a different partition so not worried there.

 

Thank you

 

Chris

 

 

 

 

"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com,

> Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> > Server 2003 standard

> >

> > Here are my symptons:

> >

> > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either

> > directly or thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a

> > ctl/alt/delete the windows security window comes up but when I select

> > Task Manager nothing happens.

> >

> > I have tried this in normal mode and safe mode. I've also tried a

> > last known good start up.

> >

> > Here is the he hisotory as it is...

> >

> > Yesterday I tried to install AVG File Server Anti Virus. Each time I

> > tired it came back with corrupt setup files and wouldn't load. I

> > started to follow the instructions from AVG to fix this and one them

> > was to clean out my temps. I ran a program I use called CleanUp4.

> > This just takes out cookies and temp files, nothing else. I've used

> > it for years.

> >

> > I also noticed that notepad wouldn't run. I'd get a message to

> > reinstall the program.

> >

> > So last night after hours I rebooted the server and here I am.

> >

> > I've been searching for a few hours now. Seems the explorere.exe may

> > not be starting but with out Task Manager it is hard to work on it.

> >

> > Any ideas oth there?

> >

> > Chris

>

> Does this occur for any account or just the admin account?

>

> Since you can't get into Task Mgr, you can't even get to a CMD prompt, or

> can you? IF so, look at this article (I know you have 2003, but worth a

> peek):

> No Desktop or Blank Desktop After Logging On to Windows 2000

> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256194

>

> Apparently the install got hosed possibly because of something else stopping

> the installation, such as another AV program, Windows Defender, or something

> else that stopped a portion of the installation enough to corrupt it and

> leave the system in an unstable state.

>

> What other apps is running on this server that may or may not have

> interfered? Is it a DC, is Exchange installed, SQL, etc? Windows Defender

> installed? Some other 3rd party antispyware? Did you get in touch with AVG

> again after following their first set of instructions to fix it? If so, what

> did they say?

>

> Since this is a server, I assume you have a backup of the System State? If

> so, restore it please.

>

> If not, and AVG is not being helpful with their own product's messup,

> possibly reinstalling the system as an upgrade (not a reinstall) by putting

> the original Windows 2003 Std CDROM in, boot up, and choose R to repair the

> installation (I believe you have to hit R twice), which will simply refresh

> the OS and save current profiles, settings, services, etc. Re-run any

> service packs and updates afterwards.

>

> --

> Regards,

> Ace

>

> This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and

> confers no rights.

>

> Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT,

> MVP Microsoft MVP - Directory Services

> Microsoft Certified Trainer

>

> For urgent issues, you may want to contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please

> check http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

>

> Infinite Diversities in Infinite Combinations

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest Ace Fekay [MVP]]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

 

"Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:F8839BF2-2968-4E6F-86C6-E8EAE95727CE@microsoft.com...

> Dear Ace -

>

> I'm in the safe mode command line but I'm out of my depth as far as

> understanding how to type in commands of any type here. To be honest I'm

> not

> sure what a system state backup is so I'm lost there as well.

>

> This issue occurs for all accounts I've tried.

>

> This is a Domian server but the only programs running are logmein.

> Nothing

> else, no exchange or SQL or AV nothing.

>

> What will I lose if I run the repair from the install CD?

>

> Will I lose my Directory etc?

>

> Data is on a different partition so not worried there.

>

> Thank you

>

> Chris

 

NO, you will not. Just carefully follow the onscreen instructions and

explanations. All you want to do is repair the installation, not reinstall

it.

 

How many DCs do you have? If you have more than one and this DC is doing

nothing else than being a DC, you can simply dump it and start over. There

are additional tasks to clean up AD, but that is the least of your worries.

 

You should plan on coming up with a DR strategy moving forward to prevent

this. And be careful when you install something like an AV program that may

not work on a DC.

 

Ace

[Guest Ace Fekay [MVP]]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,

Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:

> "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...

> > Server 2003 standard

> >

> > Here are my symptons:

> >

> > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either

> > directly

> or

> > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete

> > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager

> > nothing happens.

>

> Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that

> were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"

 

Yes it does.

 

Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This

article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line

utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter

Edition ...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

 

That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.

 

Ace

[Guest Chris]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

Ace and Caleb

 

I can use the command line in safe mode but I am having the a tough time

figuring out how to actually enter them in this version. Currently I have

C:\documents and settings\administrator> showing but all commands i try to

enter except help don't work. Seems the skills I have for the "run/cmd" in a

windows GUI just don't work.

 

I'm going to finish my coffee and take a mental break here and wait for any

reply back form you both. Since I'm in command line should I try this "sfc

/scannow" that calem mentions and if so can either of you provide me with the

exact text to enter into the above command line?

 

If not then I'll move ahead and restore the OS as ACe suggested.

 

Oh this is the only server on the network to answer that ??

 

I know I'm out of my element here. I am a very good advanced desktop

network guy (IMHO) but it is a bear finding any place to train on servers but

that is another subject.

 

Ta in advance to you both.

 

Chris

 

"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,

> Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:

> > "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> > news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...

> > > Server 2003 standard

> > >

> > > Here are my symptons:

> > >

> > > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either

> > > directly

> > or

> > > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete

> > > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager

> > > nothing happens.

> >

> > Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that

> > were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"

>

> Yes it does.

>

> Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This

> article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line

> utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter

> Edition ...

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

>

> That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.

>

> Ace

>

>

>

[Guest Chris]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected system

files.

 

"the rpc server is unavailable"

 

"Chris" wrote:

> Ace and Caleb

>

> I can use the command line in safe mode but I am having the a tough time

> figuring out how to actually enter them in this version. Currently I have

> C:\documents and settings\administrator> showing but all commands i try to

> enter except help don't work. Seems the skills I have for the "run/cmd" in a

> windows GUI just don't work.

>

> I'm going to finish my coffee and take a mental break here and wait for any

> reply back form you both. Since I'm in command line should I try this "sfc

> /scannow" that calem mentions and if so can either of you provide me with the

> exact text to enter into the above command line?

>

> If not then I'll move ahead and restore the OS as ACe suggested.

>

> Oh this is the only server on the network to answer that ??

>

> I know I'm out of my element here. I am a very good advanced desktop

> network guy (IMHO) but it is a bear finding any place to train on servers but

> that is another subject.

>

> Ta in advance to you both.

>

> Chris

>

> "Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

>

> > In news:eHqqgNBoIHA.4328@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl,

> > Calab <myspam@csd.ca> typed:

> > > "Chris" <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> > > news:4D7718F2-41A6-47BA-8F74-EE7D23FE4783@microsoft.com...

> > > > Server 2003 standard

> > > >

> > > > Here are my symptons:

> > > >

> > > > When I logon to the my server as any user admin or other either

> > > > directly

> > > or

> > > > thru remote desktop I get a blank desktop. If I do a ctl/alt/delete

> > > > the windows security window comes up but when I select Task Manager

> > > > nothing happens.

> > >

> > > Does 2003 come with sfc? Had very similar issues on a WinXP box that

> > > were fixed with an "sfc /scannow"

> >

> > Yes it does.

> >

> > Description of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 System File ...This

> > article describes System File Checker (Sfc.exe), which is a command-line

> > utility used with ... Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter

> > Edition ...

> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

> >

> > That is provided he can run it in safe mode command prompt.

> >

> > Ace

> >

> >

> >

[Guest Ace Fekay [MVP]]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager

 

In news:C2562626-4D3D-4865-B6B3-AB15AAFA7A4F@microsoft.com,

Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected

> system files.

>

> "the rpc server is unavailable"

>

 

Sorry for the delay.

 

RCP server not available means it must rely on network connectivity with the

machine itself thru local RPC and since it is in safemode it's not working.

Try booting up in safe mode command prompt with networking.

 

Ace

[Guest Chris]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

 

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

 

Ace and Caleb

 

I went ahead and did the "restore" and all is well in the world.

 

Thank you and good night.

 

Chris

 

"Ace Fekay [MVP]" wrote:

> In news:C2562626-4D3D-4865-B6B3-AB15AAFA7A4F@microsoft.com,

> Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> > I went ahead and tried the sfc and it said it couldn't scan protected

> > system files.

> >

> > "the rpc server is unavailable"

> >

>

> Sorry for the delay.

>

> RCP server not available means it must rely on network connectivity with the

> machine itself thru local RPC and since it is in safemode it's not working.

> Try booting up in safe mode command prompt with networking.

>

> Ace

>

>

>

[Guest Ace Fekay [MVP]]

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

 

Re: Blank Desktop no Task manager - fixed

 

In news:44E1F88C-EE40-40AC-A869-C433F42E309D@microsoft.com,

Chris <Chris@discussions.microsoft.com> typed:

> Ace and Caleb

>

> I went ahead and did the "restore" and all is well in the world.

>

> Thank you and good night.

>

> Chris

 

THere you go. Good to hear.

 

If your CDROM is not integrated with the latest service pack, make sure you

re-run the latest service pack. YOu also definitely want to re-run ALL

Windows Udates and hotfixes to bring it up to speed.

 

Ace