blank desktop...still

i installed updates (from windows updates) and now my
computer reboots to a blank desktop. i can get to task
manager but can't run explorer.

i've read solution 256194 and think this may be the
problem but i couldn't get the fix working. in winnt root
command prompt can't find specified file for every .dll
file listed (including shdocvw.dll).

i recently switched slave and master configuration for my
two hard drives and wonder if this confused windows update
somehow...

thanks.