Re: Screwed up Windows GUI.
I am not sure of the reason but you can do this to save your self a reboot :D
Press ctrl-alt-del.
Click on Task Manager.
Click on the "Processes" tab
Click on "File" in the Task Manager menu.
Select "New Task (Run...)" and type "explorer.exe" (without the quotes) in the "open" field.
Click 'OK'
You will see everything is back to normal ;)
Re: Screwed up Windows GUI.
Maybe some system file is damaged. Get a hold of a WinXP install CD and try "sfc /scannow" (http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html)
Re: Screwed up Windows GUI.
Have you tried updating the graphics driver?