when i boot up and log in, there is nothing on the desktop. I cannot get to the start start menu or right CLICK to get to properties.

How do i get my icons and start menu back?Try loggin into Windows in Safe Mode. When you first turn on your computer, tap the F8 key various times until a menu comes up. Scroll down on the menu and select to boot in Safe Mode. See if that works.I can boot up in safe mode, but it still will not let me get to the start bar or right click to get to the descktop properties. I still cannot see any icons on the desktop.Do you have any antivirus PROTECTION on that computer?yes there was.

I have not used this computer in a couple of years, but it did when this started. I have run the virus protection and spy ware programs under the task manager and it did not find anything.

The only thing I can get to from the desktop is the task manager by CLICKING ctrl/alt/deleteHave you tried starting "explorer.exe" from Task Manager?

To try it, type "explorer.exe" in Task Manager's Run command and click OK.now i get a blue screen message:

STOP: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}
the system registry cannot load the hive (file):
or its log or alternate
It is corrupt, absent, or not writableMaybe your Windows is messed up.... do you have the CD?No.
There was not an original cd with the computer when it was purchased.
The software was pre loadedWell i just loaded a new UPDATE version of windows i found. I lost all of my programs, but it is up and running fine.

Thanks to those who tried to help....Your welcome.