Msn/Hotmail

Funny you should mention the download for Spybot as I on that page right now

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2471


again remember to update it before running to update the programs ability to locate all know n spyware.

 

The only way to effectively re-install IE6 on XP is to reinstall the whole thing but to do that you need to use the registry file that Goldy posted above ( which turns off a "You" have latest version flag which wont allow you to reinstall ) and merge it with the registry then re-download IE6 from microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/download.asp

you will then most likely IF that works have to go back to Windows Update and download IE security patches.




Other than this maybe a dirty install of XP ( installing XP over the top of itself ) may help this will keep your settings and installed programs but will remove all updates SO again back to WU for get all updates, I would also backup any important data you have eg. School work, email address book and any downloaded programs or updates you may want to keep.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341

AS I really think we are getting to the point that a new install maybe benificial.... I know you didnt want to go this route but... things happen and your being on MSN more likely didnt cause this fault, its more likely all the spyware etc etc you found.