Cant use most of the programs EXPLOREr error

First I have windows 98 second edtition. My roomate downloaded real player and possible other programs last week. We have Kazza too. This weekend when I restarted the computer I realized that I couldnt go into MY COMPUTER (desktop icon) or any folders. INternet is working and words and excel ( icon on desktop)
But others such as My computer files and folders dont let me open them I receive an explorer error message saying they did an illegal operation adn to restart if problem persist.
So I scanned the compu and defrag it no luck I ran anti virus and anti spyware (found some) and deleted them. Then went in command prompt and tried to restore to an ealier date but it doesnt allow me.
Then I went safe mode and realized that in safe mode I can enter all those folders and files and my computer icon ...

so what is my problem and how do I solve it I am running out of ideas and patience...I d rather not reinstall windows in total (especially if it works in afe mode so that means its ok right?)
HELP

 

You have something running in the background for sure. CTRL-ALT-DELETE and kill one process at a time and test the opening of the control panel etc.. until you find the one that lets you in. If you see a process that you killed keep reappearing, take note of it and let us know what it's named. If you find the process that you believe is causing the problem, post it here too.

 

Great ill try that tonight ( I do know we have alot of shit opening and I did remove many junk software last night via safe mode)...Let you know soon the problem thanks!

 

Ok I did CTRl alt del and removed one by one all the programs testing esach time if it was the problem no such luck until the last one is EXPLORER ( even though I am not on the internet) then I try to close it and my computer ask me if I want to shut down my computer!
What does it mean? How to solve the problem!

 

Ok I tried it and I notice I have 2 load profile and left them both checked anyway but the problem persists. Any other idea? Why is it working in safe mode but not regular mode...especially if I disable all those start up stuff then I'm techniclly almost in safe mode no?

Anyway I would reformat drice c but I dont have the installation cds this was a used computer(so my friend says) when he bought it and never got it ( or most likely he lost them!lol)

Any help is appreciated?

 

I have EXACTLY the same problem. I have windows 98 and made the mistake of downloading Kazaa. A few days later my computer was full of trojan horse viruses. I got Spybot and AVG Anti-virus and got rid of all the viruses and spyware. But now I still cant open my computer. - Jun 16 2004