Problem with IE and Explorer after SP2

1- one of the main problems I come to you guys IS this problem with my Internet Explorer.
A little background:
Don’t know whether it is due to an incomplete or faulty installation of SP2, but eversince this upgrade, I haven’t been able to use the IE ( version 6 ) !
Clicking on its desktop icon got me nowhere … except another “shortcut to IE” icon appearing on the desktop !
Having purchased my Dell from the States, I see no reason why suddenly ( after installation of this SP2 , by CD - I must add ) have problems validating my windows.
Each time I go through the process of validating, it just stops and gets stuck in the 3rd step of validation( where one needs to install or activate AtiveX from the info bar. Simply because I don’t see any info bar on my IE !! ) see PIC 1 - validation scrn shot.JPG from below link, plz.

The only way to open an IE is clicking on the warning icon on my quick launch tray ( telling me I need to validate my windows and may be a victim of software counterfeiting – when I have NOT changed my original XP Home edition at all ) and voila, an IE opens up but with the following error message:
See “ PIC 2 - windows valid'n error.JPG” from below link, plz.

I also have tried to troubleshoot my way, using the Dell “Solution Center” program, which gets me nowhere as I presume it runs on the troublesome IE !!
Ironic, isn’t it ?
( or it could be a mistake in IE configuration or … )


2- For the past 2 days, everytime I try to shut down, that error message appears:

It says :

“End program – Explorer.exe

This program is not responding

To return to windows …
If you choose to end the ….”

Sometimes, 2-3 times in a row !
And unless I click on “end now”, it just wont stop!

3- I also cannot use the “defrag” program anymore, as the following message appears ( see “defrag.JPG” from below link) !!


BTW, I have already gotten rid of a lot of viruses, spyware and malware ( using bitdefender, Norton antivirus, adaware, spybot, counterspy, … ).
So I assume it cant be any nasty thing like these.


Pictures of the said files are available at:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=107584&page=2
post #17



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easy guys. easy.
dont break your legs, rushing to reply !





BTW, I have also tried typing :
%SystemRoot%\System32\dfrg.msc
in start/run.
But the same message appears !!

 

Like chaslang said in malware it really sounds like either the SP2 CD was faulty/corrupted/pirated and all I can suggest is to do a repair install with the CD's that Dell provided, then either stay with SP1(I think that is the wrong choice) or try again with the Old SP2 CD to install,(but you could just run into the same problems) or download SP2 from MS(some have had problems here to) or finally find another SP2 CD.

To be the safest and the most complete you should acquire a "Boot CD" reformat HD's, then do a clean install with the Dell CD's, then upgrade to SP2, I know its a PITA, but given that you had Malware plus a botched install of SP2, it would be the way I would go. Save all your documents, and any other files on CD's then when everything is up and running check them with your antivirus before downloading. Hope that Helps, sorry for the delay hey blame the Turkey

 

thanks BCGray.

I did think of that.
but since I am presently out of the country, I dont have access to my Dell CD's or Microsoft's SP2 CD!
As soon as I get back, I shall do so.
I just hope nothing ( more ) goes wrong till then !


I did run the "repair" on the CD available, and it came up OK !!
I wonder why !

Supposed the CD is for XP PRO, and I have XP Home edition .... would such problems rise ?


Happy thanksgiving everyone