I tried to update to SP2 today after it arrived as part of the automatic updates.

On the reboot, I got the message "Windows Explorer experienced a problem and needs to close. Sorry for the inconvenience."

Then I get the desktop wallpaper, but no start menu, taskbar, icons or anything else. I can run programs by CTR/ALT/DEL and the task manager. I can connect to the internet.

I found somwhere that hardware incompatibility issues can cause this problem, and indeed I do have an HP LaserJet 3100 that does not have a WinXP compatible driver. It will still work, but each time the system "finds" new hardware, which I just cancel out of.

I unconnected the printer and re-booted but keep getting the same error. I am at a loss of what to do - please help!

Thanks,

Peter

Here is the link to the explanation of hardware incompatibility:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555177

However, I tried to do what it suggests and had no luck.

Peter

Sometimes this helps.--If you have trouble with sp2 after installing boot to the safe mode and go to the boot.ini file in C: drive, Open properties and uncheck the read only box. Then open the file with notepad. Look for
/noexecute=optin. Change it to /noexecute=AlwaysOff.
This has worked for me as drwtsn.exe file has stopped the loading at the desktop

Thank God! Someone else has had the same problem as me! I am just about to try these couple of ideas, but if anyone else can shed some light on it, that would be great.

Not much help, I know, just wanted you to know we are out there.

James