Whenever i boot the PC, it just goes to a empty desktop(shows no icons, no start/task bar). I can't Right click on the desktop at all. The startup programs will still start up and work(trillian starts up fine and people send me messages on it). I tried to do Windows key + R, to run explorer.exe but it doesn't work. This is on Windows XP SP2 btw, any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to PCHF

Ctrl-Alt-Delete-- brings up task manager
under file... new task (run)-- type in explorer.exe--hit enter

tried it, doesn't work. explorer.exe doesn't show up in the list.

i can't open any folder windows, so i can't browse through the files and folders to try and delete something.

You have to manually type <explorer.exe>
Without the <arrows> in the box

in the Run window? tried that to, says it can't find it.

Well, that IS different.
Wait a few-- I'll see if i can turn up anything.
I've used this a hundred times... that never happened to me

no offense intended-- but you typed explorerDOTexe all lower case in the run window-- and it says file not found or ??