When logged onto my pc, I am unable to access my task bar or my start menu. This all started yesterday while trying to install a DSL package. I had to re-boot, and my desktop appeared, but my hourglass just kept spinning down on the task bar, and did not allow me to use it or my start menu. I called the DSL tech support, and they told me this was a windows problem, and that they could not help me. I tried to re-boot by going into ctrl, alt, del, since I cannot access the start menu, and before exiting get a pop up box for "explorer.exe" which has an error message stating "program not responding, click end now to end program....." I did click end, re-started my computer, only to come back to the same thing happening. I tried to just shut down for a few minutes, then start again, but no luck. Any suggestions on what my problem may be and how to fix it?? Without using the start menu of course....

Try going into task manager and shuting down the process called explorer.exe. Your desktop should disappear. After that happens restart explorer by going back into taskmanager and going to the new task option at the top. In the text box type "C:/windows/explorer" without the quotes.

If the above doesn't work, then try replacing ur (possibly corrupt) explorer.exe file. Boot the PC with the XP disk (set cdrom as first boot device in the bios), and press R key when prompted to enter 'Recovery Console' Type: copy x:\i386\explorer.ex_ C:\Windows at the command prompt (where x is ur cdrom drive letter). This will expand and copy the file from the cd to ur hard drive. Hope this helps