Windows 7: booting problem

Hi I'm currently using a HP dv4-1254 ca, 4 GB, Windows 7. Recently when booting up it keeps on telling me that Windows could not connect to the server and my desktop looks very similar to Windows 98. What is causing this problem, and what are the potential fixes?

Boot into Safe Mode, install and run Full Scan of Malwarebytes.

Go Start>rightclick Computer>Advanced Settings>Performance>Visual Effects, select "Use Visual Styles on WIndows and Buttons."

Win7 troubleshooting steps

What server is it trying to connect to? It sounds like a possible corrupt user profile.

It just says problems connecting to Windows Server. This does not happen every time I boot up, but about 2-3 times a week. Its annoying because when I click Shut Down it goes to a Please Wait screen which takes about 7 minutes before it shuts down. It began to happen soon after I did the most recent updates about a week ago. I ran Malware without going into safe mode and it did not find anything

Update server perhaps?

Are you able to download updates ?

You could System Restore to before the problem began to see if it goes away.

If so, install the Updates and anything else since then one at a time with Restore Points to isolate any repeat fails.