windows xp

Windows xp
when I turn the computer on everything is fine. It gets to the welcome screen, then I hear the windows music twice, then we move onto the next part where I click on the name and it says, loading your personal settings (or similar) then it says saving your personal settings (or similar) like I have just shutdown. It does this all the time so I cant get onto the desktop. Ive tried safe mode to have same problem. I have a lot of work that havent backed up recently and dont wont to lose, does anyone have any suggestions. Many thanks.