Well first off about a week ago my CD drive started not working. It would recognize a CD in but it wouldn't load...And later when i started up the computer it would freeze abit while checking my devices(Maybe indicating a problem.) Then when I came home from classes i turn on my computer and it loads up , does the freezing thing then it loads up my wallpaper but nothing else is there. I can ctrl alt delete but nothing else. I'd really like some help and thanks in advanced.

Can you boot into Safe Mode options?

Tap tap the F8 key after the computer logo screen or BIOS POST but before XP starts.

First try: Last known good configuration

If that doesn't work try Safe Mode proper and then try a System Restore.

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

Pick a date when all was well.

If that doesn't help go back into Safe Mode and review your Event Viewer:

Check your Event Viewer via Administrative Tools.

Open the System as well as Application tabs and look for red X errors that coincide with your problem. Details here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427

Also do you have your XP CD? Or if XP was pre-installed what is the make and model of the computer?

If you only get your wallpaper try going to your task manager (ctrl+alt+del) go to file new task then type in "explorer" i doubt it will work but worth a try.

Ok so i booted in safe mode. My start menu and icons were not there but I just looked up the path of system restore and typed it in the task manager run option...and it worked! I feel so stupid for not thinking of that but atleast it's fixed. Thanks Jephree!

Glad to hear it!

Thanks for the update and the thanks.

Let us know if we can help further in the future.