Unable to open windows explorer, IE or control panel

Hi,

I'm unable to open windows explorer in any way.. start->programs, double-click my documents, windows key+e, start->run->explorer, etc.. Whichever I try causes the taskbar and desktop icons to disappear for about 5 secs before re-appearing.

Furthermore the problem only happens under my profile (pwd protected) and the guest profile (no pwd). It doesn't happen under the other profile on the machine (pwd protected) or when I logged in as Administrator in safe mode.

I have tried all the steps on the READ THIS FIRST post, apart from the online scans. Besides windows explorer, I get the same thing when I try to start IE or the control panel.

Adaware found 4 things, 1 critcal (I didn't note down what though). All were removed. Everything else came up clear. I can't see anything suspect in the HijackThis log (though I'm no expert.. hence my post!).

About 2 days before the problem occured I stupidly downloaded and ran a program (within my profile) that turned out to contain virus(es). My AVG started flashing up warnings so I thought everything had been caught. Strange that 2 days later, after at least 2 reboots, this problem occurred. Running XP SP2 btw.

Please help!

Thanks,
James.