Run System Restore with no Start Menu or Desktop

Problem

Your computer starts up and shows your desktop background but you do not see the Start menu or any icons on your Desktop. Ideally you would like to run System Restore to

Solution

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
2. Click File, then New Task (Run…)
3. Type cmd and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt.
4. For Windows Vista or newer: type “rstrui” and press Enter.
   For Windows XP: type “%windir%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe” and press Enter.

System Restore will now open.