Please Help with Internet Explorer and Win98

[mpally]

Here is the situation. I went to restart our desktop yesterday and I received an error message stated that there was an error and the system will need to be shut down. When I clicked ok, all I got was my wallpaper and the mouse arrow. I never got any icons or task bars. I called Gateway and they said I had a virus and they thought they could help. Well, I can boot up now,so I think the virus is gone, but I can't log onto the internet. When I go to start-programs-internet explorer, there is nothing listed there. Does this mean that I don't have any IE on my computer currently? If so, what do I do now? Any other thoughts are appreciated. BTW, I am running Windows 98. Gateway is now telling me I need to delete my hard drive and reinstall everything. Does that sound right?

This is the error message I get now upon booting up:

Error loading C:\PROGRA~1\NEWDOT~1\NEWDOT~2.DLL

A device attached to the system is not functioning.

And now I can't log onto the internet. When I try it says:

Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site XXXXXXXX.

A connection with the server could not be established.

Also, we have a wireless router in our house, if that makes any difference. Thanks for your help.

[General_Lee_Stoned]

have you recently installed new-net plug-in software such as Go!Zilla
BearShare- mp3.com -imesh-babylon-cydoor-webshots-gdivx
because thats what causes this see here
http://support.microsoft.com/default...NoWebContent=1
you need to remove this instructions in link this can also cause a broken winsock which basically stops internet connection see this thread for the fix
http://www.majorgeeks.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25647

[mpally]

I do have bearshare installed, but I didn't install it recently. Should I just uninstall bearshare and see if that works? Also, should there be anything listed in Internet Explorer in programs? Sorry for all the questions, I am not that good with computers. Thanks.

[General_Lee_Stoned]

follow that link for removal instructions for the new net plug-in which is installed with bearshare
also you may then have to repair your winsock (internet connection) so just follow the second link