Process Explorer.exe and Task Manager aren't functioning properly.
Process Explorer.exe and Task Manager aren't functioning properly.
Hello everyone! Here’s a summary of my situation. I own a Sony Vaio laptop from a client who reported an unusual problem that hasn’t been seen before. While similar cases exist, the details here are quite unique. I searched extensively but found limited and often unhelpful information. I discovered a discussion on forums, but after reviewing it thoroughly, I concluded it wasn’t applicable to my case. I’m reaching out for assistance since I’m stuck and don’t want to start over.
What’s occurring? Last week I reformatted the machine and installed a fresh Windows 10 Pro version because of an unresolvable BSoD. After setup and some software installations, it functioned perfectly. A few days later, my client called saying the laptop only showed a black screen when powered on. He explained it would boot into Windows, load the user account normally, but then display a blank screen with just the mouse cursor (visible only when moved).
I asked about the onset of the issue and he mentioned it worked initially after use, but only a couple days later it stopped responding properly. I brought it in for inspection and found that while the user account loads, Explorer.exe fails to load at all. This is where the problem seems to be.
Typically, pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del would open Task Manager and let me manually launch Explorer.exe from File > Run. However, after that, nothing happened except the Ctrl+Alt+Del window closing. Task Manager itself opened but didn’t start Explorer. I tried Safe Mode, low resolution mode, and even a different user account, but nothing resolved it.
I attempted to check services via Services.msc, but commands either closed or failed. The CHKDSK and System Restore tools didn’t help. A Linux boot from a live USB confirmed Explorer.exe was present, which would have triggered an error if missing.
Despite testing various troubleshooting steps, the issue persists. I’m hoping someone can offer guidance before deciding to reformat again. Thank you all for your time and support!
It could be a corrupted registry entry. The path looks like it should point to Winlogon, but the files aren't displaying properly. People have switched to third-party tools instead. I'm using Q-Dir, but it needs Explorer to appear correctly. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc is the quickest way to open Task Manager.
Did you verify the Registry to ensure Winlogon points to Explorer.exe? Have you attempted an installation using a USB virus scanner? I recall a previous incident involving a malicious program that would immediately terminate Task Manager and block explorer.exe. It seemed to be a highly suspicious spyware. I believe it would download under a different name to avoid detection. After running the scan and cleaning the system, I still couldn’t find Winlogon set to explorer.exe. I’m not an expert, but it’s possible some malware attempted to take control, and the virus scanner blocked certain applications—like Task Manager—which often coincided with the UCash trojan’s behavior and its registry changes. It might have been something entirely different, just the first thing that came to mind after a similar case years ago.
I verified the registry file (it works fine when opened from the command prompt) and everything appears correct. Your explanation about moving explorer.exe seems to be a suggestion, though it might not be practical. The winlogon entry is normal, and a virus scan came back clean.
Sorry, the requested configuration isn't available. It seems there might not be an alternative solution, which is disappointing. I was hoping for another option so I wouldn't have to start over, but unfortunately this is the case. Still, I value your effort, gentlemen. Thank you!
You're asking about your specific Windows 10 setup. It seems your system runs on a particular VAIO model and uses either a Galaxy GeForce GT620 or a GeForce GT740 graphics card. The issue you're facing is that the graphics driver keeps changing, the mouse appears only when you move it, and the welcome screen disappears when you stop moving the mouse. This behavior is more common with Windows 10 than Windows 7.
It appears this device uses Sony's integrated graphics instead of an Intel or dedicated GPU chipset. The mouse becomes apparent once you move it; it stays visible after being stationary. The welcome screen displays correctly without issues. Without Explorer running, the desktop icons and wallpaper remain blank, showing only a black background.