When you start Windows XP, an error may occur showing "explorer.exe not found".
Windows do not shows any icons or start menu. The screen will be blank
This occurs when, the file explorer.exe in the Windows folder.
You can try these methods to restore the file.
For this, you need the Windows XP installation CD.
Method 1:
1. Insert the Windows XP CD in the drive. (If Autoplay screen comes, close it.)
2. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to Open Task Manager.
3. From the Files menu, select New Task (Run...).
4. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. (or click OK)
5. This starts a process which replaces the missed/replaced files with original one.
Method 2:
Follow upto the 3rd step of the above method.
4. Type expand X:\i386\explorer.ex_ C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe and press Enter.
The file will be replaced with the original one.
Method 3:
If Task Manager is disabled, you can repair Windows XP by this method.
1. Insert the Windows CD in the drive.
2. Restart system, enter into BIOS (press F2 / Del)
3. Change the first Boot device to your CD Drive.
4. Load the CD, and enter the XP installation wizard.
5. Continue to the selection of drive.
6. After selecting the drive of Windows, press R to repair.