Only my wallpaper loads...no programs

[PW]

I hope I am putting this in the correct area.  I searched the database for help, but didn't locate any answers ( though my computer knowledge is horrible).  I shut down my lap top last night and it restarts like normal , but when the wallpaper loads up, it stops there.  No desktop loads, nothing, just the wallpaper.  I  have no clue what to do or what might be happening.  I have an Inspiron ( dell) E1705 Intel core processor( single processor).
thanks for any help you can give  

[PW]

Ok, I did some more searching on the net and I  hit F8 to get to the safe mode options.  I chose to run the computer from the its last normal configuration?  That allowed the desktop/programs to load up.  But, I am not sure why it did what it did?  Or if the problem is fixed? Or what to do now.