XPS 8500 Windows 8.1 Doesn't Load Completely

I recently upgraded from Windows 8 to 8.1 - it worked for a while, but something has caused a problem and Windows doesn't load completely.  When I turn on the computer, it goes to the Desktop.  But, my desktop icons aren't there and the start button doesn't work.  I can access the task manager and run certain programs, but Control Panel doesn't respond.  Therefore, I can't do a System Restore.

I downloaded a Windows 8.1 Install disk from here:

windows.microsoft.com/.../create-reset-refresh-media

Then, I tried the Refresh option.  It gives me a single option of Windows 8.1 as a target OS.  But, it says there has been a problem in refreshing the PC and no changes were made to the system.

System Restore using the disk only gives a single restore point, which is at the current time.

I also tried accessing System Restore by hitting Shift-F8 or F8 while booting, but nothing happened.

Is there another option to pursue other than reloading Windows completely with the Recovery Disks?

Thanks.

XPS 8500 3.4 GHz i7-3770 UEFI A10 10/19/2012

Windows 8.1 (x64) (build 9600) UEFI with Secure Boot