Why has my desktop + start menu in Windows disappeared?

You've been hit with a virus. It copies your desktop to make you think you're actually looking at it when you're not.

Download this program and save it to your desktop. Then re-boot and run it in SAFE Mode. It will remove the problem.

Here's the link:

http://download.cnet.com/ESET-NOD32-Antivirus/3000...

ESET NOD32 Antivirus proactively detects and disables viruses, trojans, worms, adware, spyware, phishing, rootkits and other Internet threats. This is the best! CNET 5 Star Rating. This is good for a 30-day free trial FULL version.

the easiest way to fix this is to put all of the files you made on a portable drive, dvd or flash drive. reboot the computer with the vista disc in it, and do a system recovery, but do not use restore. recovery will put your computer back to when you bought it, but the task bar and everything on it will work again. if your computer didnt come with a disc, you could press the setup button when the computer shows the manufacturer's name ( it will show at the very bottom as soon as you turn it on) it would be an F-- key ( depends on the manufacturer). i hope it wasnt confusing!

try pressing "ctrl+R" and typing explorer

If that doesn't work, you have a corrupted/non existant explorer.exe

If that works, you need to go in your registry and fix it so explorer will load when you log on.

Just google how to do it.

Sorry but I can't be bothered remembering where the registry key is for the possibility of saving someone a few minutes.

appears like a issue with abode windows. you may ought to hotel to a reinstall. have you ever tried restarting explorer.exe from the activity supervisor after it crashes? you may properly be waiting to get it returned that way. it is my terrific advice. good success. (playstation , i in my opinion do no longer think of you have the beginning up bar set to hidden. :-) )