This started happening about around Sunday morning, because Saturday night it was fine. When I turned my computer on (Gateway 503GR Windows XP SP2) the next morning (Sunday), there were no Icons, Taskbar/Startbar, nothing else except my wallpaper. I have seen this around the internet, but I feel like mine is different, one because I can't open explorer.exe through the task manager (which is the only thing that is a "workaround"), also I can't open any virus related programs...AVG, Malwarebytes, Hijackthis, etc. I am starting to get really concerned...I do not want to have to restart my computer to a point long ago and I feel like I will have to soon if I don't get this fixed the right way...The biggest thing is that I want to get AVG working. SOOoo how can I get this fixed...?Can you boot to safe mode? If so, run your malware scans from there (both with your AV and with MalwareBytes). If you cannot boot to safe mode, download a boot time av scanner from the web, BURN it to disc, and run a scan at boot.i'm having the same problem...but i can't even get a reading that says i can HOOK to the internet either,,i can't do system restore because it says it cannot protect my computor at this time,,i can't drop and drag pics,,my mouse still works...i have tried several different things suggested to me but none of them work,,,,,,don't know if the hardrive crashed or have a virus...the first thing i did notice is that my toolbar change and doesn't have any color anymore either...by that i mean the start button is now gray and used to be green,,and when i open my pics...will not let me minimize the window...it just disappears.....hope we can get some help on this...thanksWell, since you have the same problem and decided to post in this thread, perhaps you should follow the same advice I GAVE the original poster.thanks Allen...could you suggest a good one to download?
JoanPick one: http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/Thanks Allen..i'll give it a try...
JoanOk, When I booted in Safe Mode the exact same thing was the problem, there was still no explorer.exe and it would not let me use AVG or Malware Bytes. I then resorted to the boot AV cd. I used the Kaparsky (sp) to scan and it did...for 9 or so hours, it did find 2 threats at which I requested removed. When I restarted my computer, there was no change, I still can't see any bars or icon, I can't open explorer.exe or any AV scanner. So...I am somewhat back to square one...

Note: I was thinking of getting the latest from Norton AV so I was wondering if this would be the wise thing to do...unless someone has an additional option...K I plan on using the restore disk without a destructive restore, would this work. This is the 2nd to last alternative I have, this problem is getting annoying. I can't open VARIOUS programs (and not just AV and MBAM), I can't open some of network settings and some other control things. Anywho...is this the right course of action or am I just wasting my time...?If I were you I'd go to the malware forum here and post a hijack this log.Except I can't access Hijack This In normal and safe mode, it says I don't have the permission.Rename the file to sniper.exe when you save it.Save what?When you download HJT and you are asked to save it, rename the file sniper instead of HJT.I did that and it brings me to the startup screen and I ask it to scan and save a log file and I GUESS it does, but then it closes and I can't open it up cause the program is still called HijackTHis.