Though I am still not certain what the cause . . . I restarted in Safe Mode, logged in as administrator, clicked Start, Run, typed MSCONFIG, clicked OK. Under the General tab, I chose Selective Startup then cleared the checks from Process System.ini, Process WIn.ini and Load Startup Items. On the Service tab, I selected Hide All Microsoft Services' checkbox then disabled everything left standing. Clicked OK then restarted. Though I am still running in the Selective Startup mode at least all of the normally used functions are back. That includes incons, system tray at the bottom and the start button. It will take more work to determine where to go from here yet for the time being I can use the familiar desktop layout rather than "Task Manager".
Thanks and if you have any thoughts as to what might be going on please let me know.
Steve

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Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.