Problem with laptop running Ubuntu 8.10

[Bret Busby]

Hello.

I have an HP/Compaq NX5000 running Ubuntu 8.10, in a multiple boot 
installation. (Well, it was, when it was operating properly)

I have just gone to look at an image that was displayed in a web browser window 
the last time that I used the computer (a couple of days ago), and the screen 
displays only the background, with no desktop, no panel, no date/time, or 
anything else.

Nothing responds on the computer; <alt><F1> to go to a console (if that works 
in Ubuntu), <CTRL><ALT><DELETE>, and, the ON/OFF switch.

What do I do, without destroying either the computer or the systems installed, 
to get it working again?

We had a power blackout here today, for about 10-30 seconds (the electricity 
supply is dangerous in this area), but surely, the battery should have taken 
over, without doing any damage.

Thanks in anticipation.

--
Bret Busby
Armadale
West Australia
..............

"So once you do know what the question actually is,
  you'll know what the answer means."
- Deep Thought,
   Chapter 28 of Book 1 of
   "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:
   A Trilogy In Four Parts",
   written by Douglas Adams,
   published by Pan Books, 1992

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