Computing.Net - Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Original Message

Name: Julie (by Julie W)
Date: February 7, 2007 at 19:45:31 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load
OS: Windows ME
CPU/Ram: 1.2/256
Model/Manufacturer: Gateway

Comment:

Hi everyone!
Today when I turned on my computer it hung just before loading my desktop. The Windows ME splash screen loaded properly and the Windows ME chime sounded off properly.
However, after the chime, the computer did nothing else. The desktop didn't load and I couldn't even see my taskbar. The only thing that seems to work is the keyboard and mouse.
I hit Alt-Ctrl-Delete and noticed that the only program running was "Bcmdmmsg". After rebooting a few times, I decided to carefully monitor which programs started to run. I noticed that 'Explorer.exe' started to run after a reboot, but then the program appeared to close (because it no longer showed up in Task Manager).
I'm starting to think that the reason for my desktop not loading is Explorer not being open. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Again, I can't get into the Start bar or My Computer to check anything; however, I do have a boot disk - so I can get to DOS.
I'd really appreciate any help you could provide! Thank you for your time!
-JW :)

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Response Number 1

Name: jam
Date: February 7, 2007 at 20:02:58 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

A quick google search of "Bcmdmmsg" says that it's a "BCM voicemodem driver" for a dial-up modem.
Can you boot into safe mode?

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Response Number 2

Name: Julie (by Julie W)
Date: February 8, 2007 at 05:41:31 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

No, I can't boot into Safe Mode. It begins to load the Safe Mode desktop, but then it hangs at a black screen and all I can see is the little mouse icon that looks like a sand timer.
I'm not sure why I can't even get into safe mode ...

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Response Number 3

Name: Petit Jean
Date: February 8, 2007 at 09:53:58 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

Restoring registry may help.From dos prompt:
scanreg /restore

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Response Number 4

Name: Julie (by Julie W)
Date: February 8, 2007 at 13:10:31 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

I put in the boot disk, went to a C: prompt and then ran scanreg /fix ... that didn't do anything.
Will scanreg /restore delete things off my hard drive? I have some old files and pictures that I would really like to keep. Thanks guys :)
-JW

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Response Number 5

Name: jboy
Date: February 8, 2007 at 14:44:19 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

"Will scanreg /restore delete things off my hard drive?"
Why would you think that it would? Performing a 'restore' merely replaces the current registry from one of the backups (along with the corresponding versions of win.ini and system.ini)
I'm not one of those who think Bill Gates is the devil. I simply suspect that if Microsoft ever met up with the devil, it wouldn't need an interpreter.

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Response Number 6

Name: jboy
Date: February 8, 2007 at 15:06:59 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

If that doesn't help (and you're feeling adventuresome) you can work up to a System Restore from DOS
What is System Restore?
I'm not one of those who think Bill Gates is the devil. I simply suspect that if Microsoft ever met up with the devil, it wouldn't need an interpreter.

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Response Number 7

Name: Julie (by Julie W)
Date: February 8, 2007 at 18:58:47 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

I ran Scanreg /restore and there wasn't any difference. Then I followed these instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279736
I got to the point where it said "Edit the shell= line so that it looks like this:
shell=progman.exe". My line said ";Rem TShoot: shell=explorer.exe ibm00001.exe". So I changed the word 'explorer' to 'progman'.
Underneath that line, there is another that reads: ";rem TShoot: shell=explorer.exe". I also changed the word 'explorer' to 'progman' here.
I saved the changes and rebooted, but the computer still hung at the desktop. The program 'Bcmdmmsg' was still the only program running.
Is there anything in the system.ini file that I need to look at?
Thanks!
-JW

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Response Number 8

Name: jam
Date: February 9, 2007 at 18:05:52 Pacific
Subject: Windows ME Desktop Won't Load

Reply: (edit)

"I ran Scanreg /restore and there wasn't any difference"
When you ran scanreg /restore, there should have been several dates to choose from...did you pick a date before this whole problem started?
If nothing else works, try an "over the top" install of WinME.

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