I cannot open any of the primary programs like my computer, control panel, windows media player, ect. but I can get on the internet if anyone knows how to fix this please help

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware and or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

i tried to open system restore and cannot this happend after adding lime wire

should i go ahead and reformat

What happens when you try to open System Restore?

Any error messages? Perhaps try in Safe Mode:

Try booting into Safe Mode by repeatedly tapping the F8 key after your BIOS POST but before Windows starts.

Choose Safe Mode then System Restore.

If this doesn't work do you have a Microsoft XP CD or an OEM (pre-installed) XP?

If the former: http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

If the latter: what is the make and model of the computer?

The manufacturer will have Restore information on its' web site.

i finaly got the sys. restore to open but when i tell it to restore to an earlier time the light for the hard drive comes on for a minute turns of and does nothing

ok im going to try safe mode but i also have a hp pavilon entertaniment notebook ill be back after i try safe mode

ok it opend the sys restore but just made the busy light come on for a little while then it went of and did nothing i tried this several times

If everything was working well previously my first guess would be some malware or virus issue.

If this is the case then this is the procedure:

As a first response you might want to post a HijackThis log for review by our Pros in that section:

Please follow the instructions HERE & then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs section.
(Not in this section please).

Please specify what issues you appear to be experiencing along with your log.

Those guys over there should get back to you within 24 hours (if not less).

The next step would be repairing XP with the HP discs:

You need to enter your exact Pavilion model into this search then look for Operating System Recovery Options:

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html