Windows unable to run explorer.exe or IE

Windows is unable to execute explorere or ie. Desktop icons do not show on
reboots. This all started after trojen removal but not certain that is what
broke this PC. I can execute a few things from taskmgr like Norton AV and
currently claims machine virus free. But if I try to start explorer.exe
from taskmgr I get "Windows cannot find C:\WINDOWS\explorere.exe. Check
spelling.....". Same with IE. I have been able to update to SP2 via cmd
prompt. Currrent config: WinXP Home with SP2.

I had Trojan.StartPage with files: Tmntsrv32.EXE, SMSSU.EXE, & xmlib.dll.
Problems seem to have started after I lilled these processes then restarted.
Several techsupport sites suggested killing with taskmgr or hijack but since
both only kill one process at a time it doesn't work with this since the 3
files associatied with the trojan seem to monitor each other and restart as
soon as one is killed. I was unable to fine removal tool so wrote batch file
that renamed each with .tmp extension then copied FREECELL.EXE to each of
the 3 original names and gained control of the PC then able to run NAV. But
on next boot the icons on desktop didn't show up and seems there might be
where all this started.

One other thing is that both the original CD with XP Home and SP2 have
problems updateing several programs and hardware dirvers with error saying
that file being installed has not passed Windows certification. I read
where I could rename the 2 catroot folders in SYSTEM32 to .TMP extension
might clear that up when I try to reinstall. but want to confirm first.

I'm not ready to start from scratch yet. I have tried a repair with the
original CD. A complete reinstall creates a new user account and I dont
think I want that yet. I'd like to maintain the current structure as much as
possible. What's up with my machine?

Dave Sell
davesell01@xxxxxxxxxxxx


.

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