XP works normally for awhile, suddently startup with no taskbar or startup menu, no new hardware or software has been installed. Ctrl+Alt+Del will run task manager fine. other task seem to run fine under the run option in task manager except windows explorer (explore.exe). Is there away to view evenlog from command prompt. I can't view evenlog from command prompt, therefore it's pretty darned hard to find out what is causing the problem. any help will be appreciated.

ive had something like this when i tried to run multiple desktops. to get around it, i opened the task manager then i pressed the 'windows' key on my keyboard, which got the start menu up. then right-clicked on the startbar/taskbar and selected 'show desktop'. Hope this helps.

there is not startbar or taskbar. I had tried 'windows' key but it doesn't work in this case. it just a blank desktop with background color and a mouse pointer. nothing else can be wokeup beside the task manager. thnx for your response. any other help would be appreciated.