no keyboard/desktop icons

[madman]

Installed ubuntu 13.04, all went well untill after login/password. Desk top background came up with no icons. Also the keyboard no longer works so I can't get to a Terminal to try some of solutions found in Google. Help!!!
Ubuntu is installed alongside Windows XP on a Dell Dim 3000, Pent 4 @ 2.80 GHz, with 2.00 GB ram and an Intel 82865G graphics card built in.

 

[arochester]

Is it, by any chance, a USB keyboard? Does your mouse work?

 

[madman]

Keyboard is ps/2 M/S natural and mouse does work. I am able to make a rectangle on desktop by holding down left mouse button but it does not stay open. Also am able to right click on desktop and open a file folder.

 

[arochester]

I am not sure then. I know what I would *try*.

If your mouse works you may be able to copy and paste into the Terminal using this:

Tip: You do not need to type commands into the Terminal. Highlight the command written on the web page. Move your cursor anywhere in the Terminal and press your mouse wheel or mouse middle button. Automatic Copy and paste! No spelling mistakes! No Typos! No other errors!

I would try copying and pasting these commands, line-by-line :

sudo dpkg --configure -a

sudo apt-get -f install

sudo apt-get --fix-missing install

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

sudo apt-get clean

sudo apt-get autoremove

sudo apt-get update

 

[madman]

How is this done? I am on this forum by way of windows boot, to reach terminal don't I need to boot to Ubuntu? I was about to try rebooting into "Recovery mode--advanced options" or "FailsafeX-run in graphics mode". This may give me access to terminal. Then I would at least be able to type in commands you gave. Thanks

 

[madman]

After much hassle trying various suggestions from this forum, research on the net, and reinstalling, I gave up on 13.04 and tried a different ubuntu that seems to be working fine. Thanks