virtualbox.org

As in the subject. I am running Windows XP as the host and recently installed Ubuntu 8.04, which had no problems. I believe the second time I ran the update for Ubuntu, I needed to reboot. After rebooting and logging in I get a blank desktop, just the background, no top or bottom panels. I wait a while and reboot it, with the same outcome.

Any ideas?

It sounds like something failed in the update. When you start Ubuntu ( you only have 3 seconds) hit the escape key and then go into recovery and see if you can repair it. If not you may need to re-install or check the Ubuntu Forums to see what you might need to do.