How to recover explorer.exe
If you’re encountering issues with your Windows operating system, one common problem is the disappearance or corruption of the explorer.exe file. This essential file is responsible for managing the graphical user interface (GUI) of your computer, including the taskbar, start menu, and file explorer. When explorer.exe is missing or not functioning properly, it can lead to a wide range of problems, such as a black screen, inability to access files, and other graphical errors. In this article, we will discuss various methods to recover explorer.exe and restore your Windows system to its normal functioning state.
Method 1: Use System Restore
One of the simplest ways to recover explorer.exe is by using the System Restore feature. This feature allows you to revert your computer’s system files and settings to a previous point in time when everything was working fine.
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
3. Go to the System Protection tab and click on “System Restore.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the explorer.exe issue occurred.
5. Click “Next,” then “Finish” to start the restore process.
Once the restore process is complete, restart your computer and check if the explorer.exe issue has been resolved.
Method 2: Use Safe Mode
Another method to recover explorer.exe is by booting your computer into Safe Mode and then performing a system restore.
1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key before the Windows logo appears.
2. Select “Safe Mode” from the Advanced Boot Options menu and press Enter.
3. Once in Safe Mode, follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to perform a system restore.
Method 3: Run System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files, including explorer.exe.
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type “cmd” in the Start menu search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will attempt to repair them.
4. Restart your computer and check if the explorer.exe issue has been resolved.
Method 4: Use System Restore CD/DVD
If you have a Windows installation CD or DVD, you can use it to perform a system restore and recover explorer.exe.
1. Insert the Windows installation CD or DVD into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. Restart your computer and press any key when prompted to boot from the CD/DVD.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the Windows Setup process.
4. When prompted, select “Repair your computer” from the list of options.
5. Choose “System Restore” and follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to perform a system restore.
By following these methods, you should be able to recover explorer.exe and restore your Windows system to its normal functioning state. If none of these methods work, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a professional or consider reinstalling Windows.
