desktop won't come up

rookums

Hello

When I switch on my home computer, only the screen saver is coming up. None of the desktop is there and there is nothing to click on. There is no start or tool bar along the bottom. The laptop does't seem to be switching off either. I have turned it off at the socket a number of times but everytime I switch it back on, there is just the screensaver.
If anyone can help, please keep it simple because I can only do the basics!!!!
Thanks

CHR15

When you switch it on, keep pressing F8 (keep tapping it)

You should be faced with a menu screen, choose SAFE MODE and hit enter

Does it boot to the "horrible looking" desktop then??

closed

holding down the on/off button for 10 secs should switch it off

If the problem is still apparent, ctrl alt del, new task, explorer

If that doesn't work, hold down the F8 at boot, select safe mode with networking, install and do a scan with this

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Gallstones

Hi there!

Can you please unplug the laptop, then take the battery out, then reattatch everything and see if you still have the problem.

rookums

Hi guys - brilliant - I tried all three things and something seemed to work - the desktop is there now. I can't thank you enough. I have been turning it on and off for 2 days now and pressing every button.
You are all brilliant to us luddites