XP media center sp2 start up problem

[jerseydad]

I have a brand new computer (custom build) running XP media center SP2. I
took it home and it started up fine. I went to the control panel and changed
my desktop theme and I went to microsoft to download IE 7.

After downloading the IE7 exe file I ran it and got a message that the
install couldn't be done and to restart and go to the windows installation on
the control panel. A dialog box popped up asking to restart now and I did.

Since then I am unable to successfully start up. The new wallpaper appears,
but no icons, task bar, or start menu appear.

Any ideas?

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

Run System Restore. Boot to Safe Mode With Commmand Prompt, (F8 on restart
'black screen')
HOW TO Start System Restore Tool from Command Prompt (Q304449):
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q304/4/49.asp
(You might also get regular safe mode, and use the start menu for system
restore)
Change the Theme to the regular "Windows XP" theme, and do the IE 7 update
again.
If no help, try this site.
IEFix Utility - Description: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm