Finder quit, won't go past the startup screen - Help!

Hello,
I was happily using my ibook when out of no where, my entire desktop disappeared. I tried to reopen the finder, but it wouldn't budge, so I thought I'd restart.
After trying to restart a couple times, the applications in my dock would work but my entire desktop was still missing and finder was not opening...
I shut it down and left it alone for a bit. I came back and turned it on and now it will get to the startup screen and then proceed to the blue screen with the white box where the computer begins to load and it freezes. I hear no sounds at all. It just stays frozen.
Does anyone know what this problem might be and are there any solutions to getting it fixed? I hope to God this does not affect any of the files I have on my computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to Apple Discussions!
It's hard to know what the problem is, and I suspect that it will take more knowledgeable people than me to solve it, but there are a couple of things you can try first.
One thing is to run the Apple Hardware Test. It will be on one of the Cd's that came with your computer, either on one of the install discs or as a separate disc. It will look for hardware problems and give you an error code if it finds one. It doesn't find everything, but it is supposed to detect serious hardware failures.
Did either of you get a flashing question mark when you tried to start up?
Another thing to do (just on general principles) if you can access your utilities is to use Disk Utility to verify and repair if necessary both permissions and the disk. If the disk indicates that it needs repair, you will need to boot from your install disc and use the Disk Utility on it to repair the start up disk.
Please try these and post back if you have any questions about how to do either of these. If you get any error codes from the AHT or any indications of hard drive problems from DU, please post back with these.
Akamoe 243, welcome to you too! It sounds like you have a similar problem on the face of it, but it's hard to say if it will have the same cause. You can also run the AHT and DU and just follow this thread. But if you get an error code or a problem shows up with DU, it would be advisable to start your own thread so that your problem can get the attention it deserves.
Good luck to both of you!

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Finder quit, won't go past the startup screen - Help!

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