Oh, please, somebody help me! when I turn the computer on, all I get is my background picture and an error message. My task manager is even blank! I don't have a start menu. In order to access aol I had to do it through the file button the task manager.
I have a portable toshiba satellite model: 5205-S703. HELLLP!!!

Hit the windows key and 'E' or go to 'My Computer'

Right click on your 'C' drive and choose properties

Go to the 'Tools' Tab

Choose to run a disk check, ensure checking both options. It'll ask you to reboot. Reboot.

Allow the check disk to complete. If this doesn't fix things, you may have a hard disk failing, a partition problem, or a virus which all could give you the symptoms you're expressing.

If the above doesn't work...let us know. If anyone can help...the people here at daniweb can.

the error message reads: could not start event logger.
And will doing what u said erase any of my programs?

I have been having the same trouble. I only have the "wallpaper" but I don't have any desktop icons, task bar or the start menu. I have run virus scan and adaware, and my system is clean. And, I can only connect thru the task manager too. I have been having this trouble for over a week now. How long have you been having trouble?

Since Sunday night, I did what TKS told me to and it didn't work

The above didn't work. What else can I do?

Can you boot into 'Safe Mode'?

Reboot, and before you reach the Windows Logo Screen prior to the system starting Windows, press the <F8> key repeatedly. You should get a menu of boot choices, and one of them will be 'Safe Mode'.

Try a few times if it doesn't work the first time. You need to get the timing right.

I'll research the laptop tomorrow. It's very late here. I'll see if there's a reported procedure for performing a Refresh install of Windows in case you need to do so.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you've probably got some MASSIVE spyware garbage going on. Honestly, I've never seen a good "recovery" from this, even after running spyware removal tools. What you might want to do instead is go into Safe Mode, like Catweazle suggested, back up your stuff, and just go for a Windows reinstall. Then, moving forward, take some of our tips in the Security Forum under consideration.

I truly appreciate all of your input, but I have already tried all of these tips - including reinstalling windows - that didn't work either. I did have lots of spyware, but all have since been removed and I don't have any more virus' either. All I know is that my son was on my computer and went to a "rapper" website (killakane - or something like that) and I have been having trouble ever since then. Now, my desktop (I am the administrator on the computer) and my husband's do not have anything - icons, task bar, start button - but, my son's desktop has everything! Its the strangest thing I have ever seen! I really need to get this working again. Any other suggestions??

OK, an update. I've done some thorough research on your particulat laptop and Toshiba definitely do NOT list instructions for performing a Refresh install (or 'In-place upgrade') of Windows XP. They list instructions for restoring the drive image to its original factory state, but that will destroy all data on the drive, including installed programs and data files.

See this article about it.

In fact, the only way to refresh your Windows installation might be to purchase a retail copy of Windows XP and do the refresh from the Windows CD.


That's a pretty drastic step to take of course, but so is the prospect of losing all your programs and data.

Before you go to that extent you might want to have a serious attempt at rescuing your laptop from the infestation(s) that is (are) causing your problems. Use your antivurus program to thoroughly scan your system from 'Safe Mode' and clean any virus infestation that it finds. Then follow the relevent procedures from the article "Boot, dammit, boot!" to see if you can get it back to an operating state. That article's been put together for situations such as yours, and contains a lot of useful information.

Finally, contact Toshiba's support team to see if there's an easier way to do a Refresh install than by purchasing another copy of Windows XP.