Vista Safe Mode: No Icons

Set Vista Business to run in safe mode thru the start menu....choose safe with command prompt....came up with nothing: no icons no command prompt....tried task manager and msconfig.....window comes up saying I dont have permission to access this file....this continues for any file entered into task manager....no permissions....tried switching user....machine only shows 1 user although 3 are registered....switching just brings up same user same results.....tried safe mode in all combos....same results no icons, no access to programs....running a recovery disk only results in getting the 'no permissions' window again...autorun not working on any disk...outside of the 'recycler virus, of which I have an on-going battle, there are no other virus presence, I think....no new programs or other unusual things.......dead in the water.....any suggestions.

Try running Safe Mode from Command Prompt as Administrator.

no change....will not run command prompt unless I use task manager.....then get same denied permissions message......cannot run hidden admin either...will not access the file....refuses to grant any access to any file.....cant even re-install windows either vista or xp....won't read the files in the cd drive......

Let's see if this tutorial will help you...
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/194770-command-prompt-startup.html

don't have a boot disk....yes yes I know.....can I get something from the net?
the command prompt option just results in a black screen, no prompt unless I bring up task manager, then no access no permissions

This link is from 7 Forums but will apply to Vista in getting your system back to normal.
Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key - Windows 7 Forums

well thanks....after viewing all the info, I cannot use anything as I do not have a desktop to load onto.....I would need a basic clean install boot disk or iso file to work from....what I'm doing now is salvaging files, do a complete format of the disk, then install xp from an existing disk.....goodbye vista

I would not format disk.
Just uninstall Vista then reboot with XP disk.

You might wait until I can or you can PM Rich46.....for more help!
THW

Sorry,
I have to get wife bathed and take her to lunch.
Be back later!