Desktop frozen, can't access any programs or start menu

My laptop is barely working. When I log in the normal way, sometimes it hangs up right after I type my password. If I am able to get through, everything is very slow, and if I try to click on any program it says that it's "not a valid win32" application. Basically, I can't do anything when I get to my desktop, and if I try to go to the start menu, I just get an hourglass icon and can't click on it. I really don't want to reinstall Windows or lose any of my files. Is there any way I can fix this?

Done any scans for malware?

Louis

I can't run any programs without getting that error message.

Have you tried from safe mode?

Have you tried a system restore?

FWIW: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000726.htm

System manufacturer and model?

Louis