Internet Explorer 7 - won't allow downloads & toolbar missing

Internet Explorer 7 and Windows XP. I am now missing the normal toolbar for IE7. Only have google toolbar. I cannot download anything..a window pops up and closes immediately. I loaded IE8, didn't like and deinstalled. What can I do. I try to update IE7...says thank you for downloading but it does not act like it did download. Any suggestions. I tried to right click and access IE properties, neither work.:cry

 

Have you tried this? Go into the Control Panel - find and double-click "Internet Options" (this is the same as right-clicking on the icon), then select the "Advanced" tab. Toward the bottom of the window is a "Reset" button which will reset Internet Explorer to it's factory defaults and dump the Temp files.

Could be you got a hold of some corrupt Active-X control, flash file, or some other net-nasty that has altered your settings.

Wouldn't hurt to check your system for mal-ware, either.