I was trying to "clean" up an old emachine. It has Windows ME. I was deleting stuff and obviously went too far.
It shut down. When I start up again it gives me the desktop with my regular background and picture, but nothing else.
Is there a way to type in a command or prompts or anything, to get to the "restore" menu.
I have pushed every key and combination of keys I can think of. I've been searching the internet for solutions.
I do not want to use the system restore CD and start over!
Thanks

hit f8 on startup and go to safe mode to try system restore

Thanks Caperjack, but I've tried safe mode.
Get the same thing, no tray, no icons, nothing to click, no way to do anything.
Guess I'll give up and use the restore CD and start over.