Can only get task manager

Hi I'm running xp pro sp1, on an amd system.

Once I log in ( as admin or new user or whoever) I only get themed picture, no icons, no start button, no taskbar.

There is no right click in order to customize desktop.

If I try to start explorer ( it's not running in process list ) it just flicks and doesn't run.

If I try to get to RESTORE via msconfig panel, I get blank white page ( no icons).

I can run Cmd from T.M, I can also manually start apps this way.

But I don't have the skill to do anything with this power ( or lack of it)

In the browse pane I can't even see the recycle bin.
No control panel, nothing

If I run Partition magic, I can Browse the (c) disk and see the Recycle bin.

My Acronis true image files will not read from rescue disk ( but can be opened otherwise).

And I don't have the skill to try and boot from another Partition which has the previous set-up on.

I'm stuck, I'm lost and I wish I could get to my old favourite of Win 98 Scanreg /restore in msdos.

If I work my way through the System 32 folder, apps run, but things like Explorer.exe don't.

In the task manager pane there seems to be very little running


Please, Is there anybody out there with any advice before the dreaded reinstallation

 

You are in a fix. Who knows how far the damage extends?

The "dreaded" reinstallation is not that fear-inspiring. Just boot from the CD, skip the first repair option that brings you to the recovery console and proceed with the installation. After you press F8 to agree to the license, setup will show you the present installations of Windows. Just select the damaged one and then press "R" to repair it. You won't lose anything and you will save a lot of time since tracking down the particular problem(s) could be a carreer choice .

Then just reinstall updates.