No start Menu, no programs will open, HELP

On my other computer, I am trying to fix it, but it definitely has been hacked.

I have Windows XP. I cant open anything from my desktop. Every icon on the desktop has a white background shadowing the icon.

There is NO start menu, it is gone. Only a white bar.

Even in Safe Mode, I cannot open anything from the desktop.

The computer no longer has any internet access right now.

What can I do, or copy onto this computer Program Wise to fix the computer? I cant even run Hijack This because I cannot get to MY COMPUTER, or any other folders without a start menu.

I have another working computer (the one I am posting from), that I can get programs from MajorGeeks and carry to the other computer by CD disk if there is a way to start fixing the computer through DOS????

Is it possible, that I need to buy a copy of Windows XP and reinstall? Would that resolve the problems??? or virus?

The computer was built by a friend, and I paid good money for it, but they never gave me a copy of windows and I have lost contact with them.

Any help?? to get started? Would be greatly and sincerely appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Your options are limited if you don't have a Windows CD?

Did this happen recently and did you have System Restore enabled? If so, you may be able to run System Restore from "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" (if that starts)?

 

what about purchasing Windows and reinstalling??

Or am i looking at a new hard drive????

 

You don't need a new hard drive, and yes buying a copy of Windows XP will fix the problem.

However, I was trying to explore other avenues, like running System Restore from Safe Mode with Command Prompt if that's an option.

If the money isn't an issue, then buying a copy of XP is the best solution.

You can get OEM versions fairly cheap.

 

Can you elaborate on that? I think you mean to say that you can get a copy from the PC manufacturer for less money than an off-the-shelf copy of a stand-alone XP. I am asking out of ignorance. It never would have occurred to me to check with the PC manufacturer to buy XP (if that's what you meant).

Thanks,
Jason

 

Technically, you are supposed to buy a piece of hardware from a store to qualify for an OEM copy of Windows.

However, plenty of stores don't enforce that and will sell you an OEM on it's own just to get the sale.