After I turn on I get the Windows XP, but all desktops show no icons, or explorer. Safe Mode just shows a black screen with safe mode written in each corner
Your computer is booting into a 'Safe Mode' for some reason. 'Safe Mode' is a cut down version of windows and does not load any drivers such as video drivers or modem drivers.
When you switch on the computer press F8 just before the windows logo appears (this is quite tricky so a number of tries may be required). You will then get a menu with options like 'Normal', 'Safe Mode', 'Safe Mode with Networking' etc. Select 'Normal'.
If it still boots into safe mode then you may have a problem with one of your drivers - try rolling back any drivers you have updated recently. Also try system restore as the regisrty may have become corrupt.
Let us know how you get on
PC Expert, March 2008
If I remember rightly (now have vista) try a right click on the desk top and somewhere in the menu that pops up there is a Arrange Icons By, Show Desktop Icons. If that's no good try typing desktop icons in the help page.
