When I started my computer, it came up in safe mode. I
restarted my computer and then almost all of my desktop
icons were missing and then I went under start, then
programs and all of my programs that I had on my computer
were under here but my programs were "empty". I couldn't
bring up any of my Microsoft Office Programs, like Excel,
Money, etc.

Does this have anything to do with a virus going around?
What did I do wrong? How can I get my programs and files
restored without using my restore CDs.