Explorer could not load

Upon booting up my computer with Windows 98SE the background came up, but no icons came up on the desktop. It said that Explorer could not load. I tried to boot up in safe mode and the same thing happened. Of course I did not backup my information. How can I retrieve my information off this computer with this problem?
Thanks!

 

Ugh, this can be a tricky situation.

I'd try a repair installation of windows 98.

Or, if you are DOS savvy, then there maybe another option....

 

Do mean to reinstall Windows 98SE? Would I lose any files, folders, etc.?

 

You can re-install, just fine. 98SE does not reformat your drive. 2k and XP does (unless you use a repair installation).....


Note, just cause you are reinstalling 98, doesn't mean this is a full (fool) proof way of fixing your particular situation. This is merely a 50/50 (toss of a coin/I hope this fixes it). But, it does rule it out, for those who believe a repair installation works.

/Ignore my rambling.