Fixing restore active desktop on windows xp

Question

I've already tried this: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-desktop/windows-xp-will-not-restore-my-active-desktop/f664bfe4-0acd-4b11-8918-eb779bb2cc07

had no luck. All I know is that the computer crashed from a power outage. I've tried clicking the restore button and rebooting. Nothing.

What else is there to try?

Would like to have the desktop back.

It powers on fine. I can login and use windows just fine. Just you get that annoying restore active desktop screen.

Solution 1

You can try to edit the registry

Run regedit

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\SafeMode\Components

Change the key value - DeskHtmlVersion REG_DWORD 0x00000110(272) to decimal zero

Solution 2

If the Desktops are controlled by Group Policy, and if you are not an administrator for the computer or network, you may not have the proper permissions to repair it.

Perhaps check out this related/similar SU question: Recovery Windows XP Active Desktop for Restricted Users

Comments

[Rachel Nark]

Updated with details :)

[Dave]

I updated your post - can you confirm this is the screen you are getting (if not, I will edit your post)

[Dave]

What happens when you click Restore my active desktop

[Ramhound]

If the suggestion from Microsoft doesn't work then your limited to reinstalling Windows. We need more information about what the crash was. A screenshot also would be helpful.