Not sure if this will be any help, but it does sound like your problem
It sounds like the common tasks bar on the desktop that you can't get
rid of, I've read others having the same problem
http://www.dougknox.com/If you go to that link-----Click on "Windows XP Fixes"-----In the next page Click on "Remove Common Tasks from Desktop"-----
You will have to Download the "XP CommonTasks" Zip file----Extract it
and double click on the .EXE to run the utility and then RESTART your computer... Instructions are on his page...
If it doesn't work have you tried System Restore
Start---All Programs----Accessories-----System Tools----System Restore
Selectable dates will be in
BoldHope this helps