I'm not sure what to call what is going on, other than frustrating. We have a rebuilt computer, that has XP installed. When I start the computer, it will boot normally, but once it gets to the desktop, it's just black, with the taskbar visible. There are no programs showing. I can not right click on the desktop, to access anything. A few programs will prompt to start. (windows live messenger and a registry cleaner) Avast has request to to a bootscan, which I have allowed, several times. It repairs nothing. Can someone please help? I have photos on this machine, that I do not have backed up anywhere, and I know they are still there as when the virus protcetor is scanning, you can see it in the photos files. Please help... thanks.