Blank Desktop, Help Please

[Yozo]

I was trying to see if removing any possible malware would fix the problem (blank desktop)  but then i realized i would need to get to get rid of some programs first, like old antivirus programs, but I can't uninstall them without getting to the control panel.  The only way i can get to things is using task manager

Technical Stuff:
HP Pavilion a1110n
Intel Celeron D Processor
Windows XP Home Edition
504MB RAM

[Spoiler]

Can you start the machine in safe mode?

[ChrisXPPro]

Have you tried -->start/run/explorer.exe?

The whole desktop revolves around this.

I am wondering if the run cmd in registry has been lost for boot up normal loading..

[qinghao]

start/run/explorer.exe

while the explorer.exe process was not running,there is no start menu any more.
the operate sequence should be:
file->new task(run...)->explorer.exe

If the "explorer.exe" can't be started in normal mode ,try safemode (F8 while booting)

[CBMatt]

Try the above suggestions (Safe Mode and manually starting explorer.exe) and then we'll see what we can do about checking for malware.

[fireballs]

you can start explorer.exe without start menu:

ctrl + alt + del > task manager > applications tab > new task > explorer.exe

hope that helps.

FB

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I think you may want to have a look here [first]:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,16027.0.html