Programs will not run.

My first suggestion would be to set the computer to run

chkdsk (/r /f) c:


Let it complete the full chkdsk on reboot and then see if you boot up completely.

computer freezes on welcome screen.

Open command prompt in safe mode and run the command in becraig's post.

invalid parameter   /f) c:

skip42--
Any messages?  What can you learn from Event Viewer?

Is this recent?  Run a System Restore.  You can reach System Restore  from System Recovery
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-are-system-recovery-options#what-are-system-recovery-options=windows-7

system restore was the first thing I tried. There were only 2 restore points available, both from the previous day. They did nothing and problem got worse. I was getting an error message but failed to record it. ( I know, very stupid!!)
Event viewer is unfamiliar to me.

Can you get a cmd prompt (in safe mode)? If so try repairing the windows system files using:

sfc /scannow

sorry just use /r

chkdsk /r c:

running.

I recommend that you run sfc first since checkdsk will only try to repair the file system, it will not restore missing system files, sfc will do that.

windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
details are included in the CBS .Log windir\L ogs\CBS\CBS.log

Can you post the errors that you see in that CBS .Log?

skip42--
You might find more System Restore points by clicking on the box "Show more restore points".

Event Viewer
http://www.7tutorials.com/basics-about-working-event-viewer-windows

>>  but was unable to fix some of them
Did it prompt you that the files would be repaired at the next reboot?

ran sfc
now running chkdsk
no more restore points were available to me.

yes reparable files will be fixed on reboot.
I am running chkdsk now (11 % complete)

Did you try the Last Known Good config btw?

chkdsk has finished and computer freezes on normal startup or safemode.
Last good config was not available.

time for running diag on ram and disk - you'llfind these on the UBCD :
Hardware diagnostic CD    UBCD

go to the download page, scroll down to the mirror section, and  click on a mirror to start the download
Download the UBCD and make the cd   <<==on a WORKING PC, and boot the problem PC from it
Here 2 links, one to the general site, and a direct link to the download

since the downloaded file is an ISO file, eg ubcd527.iso - so you need to use an ISO burning tool
if you don't have that software, install cdburnerXP : http://cdburnerxp.se/

If you want also the Ram tested - run memtest86+ at least 1 full pass,  - you should have NO errors!
 
For disk Diagnostics run the disk diag for your disk brand (eg seagate diag for seagate drive)  from the HDD section -  long or advanced diag !  (runs at least for30 minutes)

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/                        ultimate boot cd
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html             download page

I will have a new PC in the next day or two. I wont be able to burn a disc til then.

Press F8 while computer is booting.

You should now have option to repair computer. Select this.Then select startup repair.

Post back results please.

f8 was tried

>>  . I wont be able to burn a disc til then  <<  surely you have a freind where you can make one?

Finally, got a new computer and was able to burn the UBCD.
There are a lot of options on this disc. I'm going to need guidance using it.
Thanks for the help with this.

skip42--
Here are a couple of webpages on how to use UBCD
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/tutorials.html  (see Table of contents at left panel)
http://wiki.ultimatebootcd.com/?title=Tutorials

look at the screenshots on their page also - very useful

I really have no idea where to start with this disc.
I restarted with the F12 boot option and ran Dell's diagnostic.
All the hardware was good.
So I suppose Windows is corrupt.
I do not have the Windows disc to reinstall it.
I just need to recover all my data from this computer and then I'm done with it (and Dell).

the easiest methods are :
1-a live cd to boot from, like :
                        http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=knoppix
or this one  : http://www.paragon-software.com/home/rk-express/            

2-connect the drive to a working system, and copy the files
if you have problems with the disk - tell us - for more info

skip42--
"I do not have the Windows disc to reinstall it."
You can download a Windows installation file from here
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/i-do-not-have-windows-7-media-but-i-do-have-my/5ce13741-ac25-4969-ae82-2494726aac1c
Be careful to download the exact version you now have on the PC.  Then you burn the .iso file to a DVD.  Instructions for that are also in the link.  When you use the DVD you will use the Product Key you already have.

Well,  I've got the UBCD to run and have parted magic up and running. I don't know if this will help me though. I'm really out of my element with all this. As I said earlier I just want to recover some pics, videos and documents.

Computer kept locking up. I finally got it to start in safe mode and function. I was then able to transfer what I needed .