No icons on desktop, wallpaper only

[geddoff]

Can someone please help me.

I bought a used laptop computer with Windows xp pro
already installed. Anyway, after a years use all of a
sudden it booted up with just the wallpaper showing and
no icons. I can get task manager running, but I'm not
savvy enough to fix it without help.
Why?
How do I fix it?

Willing to perform carnal acts to resolve this issue.
Thanks
Sandra.

 

[larry]

I noticed you didn't include virus and spyware scans for
those free downloads to help with everything they promise
but don't tell you about startup programs and registry
items that fool with your pc.

If you don't have virus protection, Symantec test your
computer's exposer to online threats.
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?
langid=ie&venid=sym

If you don't have reliable spyware removal, you can get
it with spybot free at :

http://www.net-integration.net/index.php?
page=spybotsd#clean

I suggest you run the spybot scan. It will run awhile.
WHen finished ,clean recommended. Some entries will be in
memory. The program ask if you would like to fix at next
boot up. Reply yes

It has an automatic backup so you can restore fixes.

You'll also need to remove startup registry items also.
Highjackthis is available free at:

http://www.net-integration.net/index.php?

They can help you with interpreting logs. Just follow
their instructions. You can wait for their interpretation
or you can look for 04 startup entries. I suggest you
delete any software startup thats not store bought