No icon top-left on 12.04 upgrade from 10.04

Finally upgraded from lucid to precise.

1. There is no Ubuntu icon top-left. the words reflecting active program change as expected, but I cannot access my programs
     like Ajunta, Gimp, Games, etc.
2. Cannot load "Files" from launcher bar, just sits there, but icon does animate when clicked..
3. Software Center does not load (wheel just keeps spinning). Hoping to reinstall python 2.7. Did notice numerous "unable to
      bind" errors during upgrade.
4. Tried to sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool and I keep getting errors from not being able to bind with python 2.7.
      Too many errors process stopped. webpage said it could make icon visible.
5. "Software up to date" says everything current, and "settings" button doesn't work.
6. Need to use Unity 2d to see anything, and "alt" produces "hud service not connected" error.

Downloaded & burned disk everything worked fine "live", upgraded from 10.04 update manager directly lts to lts and I am now crippled. Sony VAIO dual core 2Ghz, 2Gb ram, dualboot vista, linux partion 35Gb 18Gb free prior to upgrade. Please help I am working with First Robotics and need my computer back.