Can't toggle back to system retore

Running Windows XP.

I had a malware issue, and began the recommended process, carefully following the instructions step-by-step. When I was done, the issue I had with multiple pop-ups and a browser hijacker had completely disappeared. All right!

So I went to the step of toggling off and on my system restore. I toggled it off, and shut the pc down.

At this point, the system had a hard time shutting down. It took some time to close something called "rundll32.exe", and in the end I don't think it was successful. I had to click the "end now" button to finish the shut down.

When I powered back up and attempted to toggle back on system restore, I found I was completely unable to access properties for My Computer. I right click the icon and select properties, but nothing happens. No window opens at all. I can access Properties for any other icon I click, but not My Computer.

Everything else in the machine seems to be working fine, and speed is good. Internet connections seem clean and green.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Went to START ==> RUN and typed gpedit.msc in the window.

Clicked OK and the following dialog appeared:

"Windows cannot find 'gpedit.msc'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then
click Search."

Where do I go from here?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi Steve, and thanks.

I posted over there first, and they moved it over here.