help! no software or programs will open

Hi there,

I will just start by saying, I have no clue when it comes to anything technical so I apologize in advance for causing anyone frustration trying to help!!

I have a toshiba satellite and as of today, when i turn it on, it goes to the windows start up screen then the desktop but then nothing will open or load and when I try to restart It wont shut down. I looked it up online and followed a few suggestions, take battery out and put back in, start in safe mode, run a virus scan...but no luck! Any suggestions?

Thanks so much