no desktop icons or start task bar possible virus

I'm sure I have a virus. I cannot bring up desktop icons or start taskbar.
I can only bring up alt+control+del task manager, but it won't allow me to access internet.
I tried once and was downloading microsoft support virus scanner, which while
running found two problems, then I was kicked out of the internet, and
now cannot find internet icon. Cannot reboot in safe mode(gives me a lot
of jibberish, then automatically restarts). I am not a computer savvy person.
I also don't think my CD-Rom was working for a long time. I really nead some
help. Can someone suggest a technician in the Tilton New Hampshire
area, that won't take advantage of me.
Thank you

After the computer boots up, press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete buttons to go in Task Manager. Go to menu choose File and then choose New Task. Within the text box type explorer and press Enter to initiate your desktop icons.

It won't allow me. It gives me a message "windows cannot access the specified device, path,, or file. You may not have the approriate permissions to access the item."

I've seen many possible solutions, but none of them worked for me since I couldn't access Start button needed for System Recovery...
So, after some trial and error, this seems to be easiest way to get around it...

1. Ctrl+Alt+Delete
2. File->New Task,
3. type msconfig, run it,
4. Tools tab (or in General tab -> Launch System Restore),
5. System Restore.

Find some date you are sure everything worked fine, restore, restart, and after booting xp, click ok (or whatever the button says...:P) .

That worked for me, hope this helps...:biggrin:

Best regards,


Nikola.