Windows Explorer Corrupted (i.e., system boots, but desktop never appears)

I started to do some of the required steps to remove some nasty malware from my PC running Windows ME, but, at some point, Windows Explorer became corrupted. Now, when the computer boots, I get a blank screen. I can launch task manager from there, but it won't start Explorer, saying its corrupted. All I want to do is get the computer to a state where I can dump some files onto an external hard drive and do a clean install. I've tried to start in safe mode with F8, but it doesn't work. I don't have the original install disks anymore.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Edit to previous post. XP, not ME, is the installed OS

 

Have you tried to use Last Known Good Configuration or do a System Restore to see if you can get some functions back?