How to Manually Start Windows Explorer
- 1). Click the "Start" button on the taskbar.
- 2). Select "Shut Down" in Windows Vista or "Turn off your computer" in Windows XP.
- 3). Hold down the "Ctrl," "Shift" and "Alt" keys, and click "Cancel." This will shut down Windows Explorer. Do not use the Task Manager to shut down Windows Explorer.
- 4). Open the Task Manager by pressing the "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Del" keys simultaneously.
- 5). Select "File" at the top left of the Task Manager window. A drop-down menu will appear.
- 6). Select "New Task (Run...)." The Create New Task window will appear.
- 7). Type "Explorer.exe" and press enter.