Lost Desktop Icons/ Start Menu etc. etc.

Paint me stupid with a big brush

I know better, but I downloaded Regmaid from MS & deleted a ton of registry entries....without paying enough attention...or making a back-up of everything. I was leaning on a restore point for any trouble, but can't get that program to run. The desktop opens as far as my selected background picture, that's it. To get on-line, I use the task manager to open my browser for me. I've tried messing around with my operating system disc to get a restore without a full reinstall, but I'm having no luck. Windows explorer won't launch, either.

XP Pro, boy- I feel stupid.

Oh yeah, Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Check this link about performing a reload of WinXP 'over the top' of itself. You won't lose any documents or software (most of time).
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/en-us
Read method 1 and method 2. Personally, I've used method 2 numerous times to repair corrupt/jacked up WinXP installs...

hopperdave2000