Desktop folders vanished leaving just text names

[Sheila]

This is a Windows XP Pro with Office Word 2007
All folders on desktop have disappeared and I am left with just the text
name. Double clicking on these produces the contents wherein some show
perfectly normal folders alongside other vanished ones with just the text
name.
Also, the blue bar, which has suddenly expanded to twice its height, (not
sure of correct name) along the base of the window shows blank squares when I
move the mouse arrow along it but no identity names or the special icons for
each shortcut (i.e. Outlook Express, Google Earth, etc.)
I have not wittingly done anything different today in accessing internet
connection or opening any file. I have had to use the main switch to turn
off the computer as clicking on Log Off or Turn Off Computer does nothing but
make the text "quiver".
Sorry to be long winded but I don't know what to do and would like some help
please.
Thank you,
Sheila Jones.

 

[Sheila]

This is Sheila again.

It was all due to Microsoft! The next day the Microsoft yellow shield
announced there were new updates to be downloaded. So I clicked Yes and lo
and behold all the folders and icons reappeared! After all that I was able
to restore the Taskbar (discovered the correct name) to its former size.

No doubt there was a splendid reason for all this but I wish "they" had
thought to warn first.

Thanks if you did look at my request.

Sheila Jones