Windows 7 problem - desktop and startup

[Zappit]

Hey, guys, I just got home to find out that my desktop icons are not working, and when I started working to find the problem, I discovered that there were also problems booting up the computer. I can't find the startup menu now - as in it may no longer be there - and a system restore didn't work, stating maybe an anti-virus program may be interfering with it. I'm stumped. I don't know what caused it - I wasn't around to find out when whatever caused this - but I need help. The bottom start menu works and can access all my programs, but the desktop's just gone dead.

I'd appreciate any advice that can help.

I just stared a Norton scan - which seems to have found and fixed a threat already - please let that be it.

 

[Zappit]

Update - problem solved after disabling some shell programs and changing a few settings - six hours of research and trial and error later. If you run into this, let me know. I can probably save you a headache.