I had an chkdsk error on my pc and on reboot i got a blue screen running NTFS checking disk procedure, when that had finished instead of fixing any problems i had a pc that was back at factory settings with a nortons recycled box the only icon left out of about 20 shortcuts on my screen, everything was gone printer, modem and no IE or outlook. Can anyone explain what happened?

Did you try a System Restore? & or from Safe Mode Options: Start Last Known Good Configuration?

Do you recall the original error?

What is the make & model of computer?

Do you have the recovery disk?

I put the recovery cd in and am now back to JAN 03 factory settings like when i first got the computer, this however is far better than when it first went wrong as i didnt even have a task bar just a recycled box ! At least i have IE icions and outlook shortcuts back. I have lost everything on it but am in process of installing it all back on. Just concerned it could happen again. Still not sure what chkdsk is and when i rebooted why when it run its check did it absolutely remove everything on my desk top !

chkdsk is check disk. It runs automatically on reboot after a serious crash.

If you want details open Help & Support & type in the Search box: chkdsk

It is XP's way of trying to repair itself.
I would suspect that whatever triggered the crash did the damage & that chkdsk was unable to restore it.