When I try to open Internet Explorer, My Computer, Search or other explorer connected software I get a clock for a few seconds, my screen repaints, and then nothing happens; i.e. the explorer does not open. I am running Windows XP Home edition. I have tried reinstalling Internet Explorer v6.0, loading the latest patch and loading IE v7.0. The problem continued after all of these changes. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Boot to your XP CD and run the repair option. Or try using System Restore.

Just to add to Scott's response:

Sounds like your install of windoze has gone bad for some reason.
It will be worth trying a repair install.
Here's the official Micro$oft way of doing a repair install,
And Here's one with screen shots.

Basically this installs windows over the top of your current setup.
So you don't loose any information you already have.