Desktop shortcuts

[Liz65]

I've lost all my DT shortcuts including 'Start' and I'm having to use Win Task Manager to open all my apps. Tried to start in Safe mode to uninstall a recent suspect programme, but up and down keys won't function (they are working OK in this mode) so Windows just opens normally. My OS is WinXP Pro. Thank for all help.

[sir.prize]

I thnk this would be a perfect opportunity to try a System Restore.

[Liz65]

Thanks for that, sir.prize. One and only SR point was yesterday and when I tried it, it was still in the same state that it is now.

[fever28]

in task manager start new process type in explorer.exe

is it just desktop shorcuts? you say start is missing doe sthat mean the whole bar along the bottom as well?

if running explorer.exe brings them back very likley to be malware of somesort, look to rebuild or invest a n a good AV

[fever28]

is it a usb keyboard? try a ps2
a little risky but crash the box so its forced in to safe mode, pull the plug, or disk drive whilst on (safer than you think) but certainly a last measure.

[Liz65]

Thanks Fever, typed in explorer.exe, message says 'couldn't find file.'
Yes, everything has gone, the only thing I have is my background pic.
I have Norton Corporate, what do you suggest?
I'll try pulling the plug when all else fails. Liz