everything works and then nothing works

I have windows 7 on a practically brand new HP. Everything worked fine until I turned my comp off for 5 days while I was out of town. Now, when windows loads, everything works fine for about 30 seconds. I can access the internet and my folders and what-not. After this time is up, however, the only applications I can use are the ones I've opened in this time frame. If I try to click an icon, I get an hourglass and can't do anything outside of what is already running. I can crtl alt dlt but the task manager won't let me do anything, I just get that stupid hourglass. I restart and that's about it. I already tried turning off startup programs but nothin seems to be working. I haven't backed up anything yet so I'd prefer to avoid a system restore. Thanks in advance for the help.

why not system restore to the day you went away and you shouldnt lose anything