I am having the same problem. The only way I can open google chrome is to by typing in CTRL+ALT+DEL and it brings up the task manager box. I open "My Documents" and select a document within it to open with Google Chrome. Its the only way to get an active internet window open. Thats how I am able to access this webpage. All my desktop icons are gone, including task bar and start menu. When I type in "explorer.exe" it brings up the Documents window again.
Now there is a "Windows Explorer" error message that appears and asks me the usual if I would like to send or not send and it doesn't matter what I put in there, the whole screen bleeps out for a moment, I see all my icons and task bar and can access them until the same Windows Explorer message appears and at that point the only thing accessible is the Task Manager. I am also getting a "Data Execution Prevention" window which gives me no information and no resolution. From the Task Manager window, I have been able to start CCleaner and Malwarebytes, which detected an adware, isolated it and removed it from the Hard Drive, but the problem still persists. I added Avast a couple hours ago and it did a sweep before the OS started up and didnt find anything but the problem was still there.
I don't have the OS discs, my brother gave me his old computer. The only thing I can think of is to keep the computer running and keep these windows opened, as they are functioning and buy Windows 7 from Walmart this week.
Any offers of advice are certainly desired.