[akuhns]

When I turn my computer on and try to open a program I get an Explorer.exe error on my Dell Inspiron 5000

[seahwk83]

Is that the exact message? Any more info in message? Does PC go into windows at all?

Any changes that either happened or that you perhaps made to your computer around the time that the problem started; particularly any software or hardware that you installed or setup

The operating system you're running, and its version.
The exact text of the error message if possible,

[akuhns]

When I turn my computer on and try to open a program I get an Explorer.exe error on my Dell Inspiron 5000

I have windows 2000 pro and windows does start. When my desktop tries to load I get and error message saying "Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows. You must restart your program."

Then I am unable to do anything.

[seahwk83]

See if you can get into safe mode and attempt to uninstall IE 6 as detailed below


To get into the Windows 2000 / XP Safe mode, as the computer is booting press and hold your "F8 Key" which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.


NOTE: You must be logged on as Administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to remove Internet Explorer 6 on a Windows 2000-based computer. After you remove Internet Explorer 6, you cannot remove the earlier version of Internet Explorer that remains on the computer.

1. Quit all running programs.

2. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

3. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.

4. In the Currently installed programs list, click Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, and then click Change/Remove.

5. Click Restore the earlier Windows configuration, and then click OK.

6. Click Yes when you are prompted to remove Internet Explorer.

7. Click Restart Windows to restart the computer.

8. Start Windows Explorer to verify that you no longer receive the error message described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

9. Start Internet Explorer, and then browse to the following Microsoft Web site to download any security updates that are needed for the version of Internet Explorer that remains installed on your computer:
Microsoft Windows Update (Microsoft Windows Update)

[akuhns]

I am still getting the same thing even in safe mode. As soon as I click on Control Panel I get the error message

[akuhns]

I have windows 2000 pro and windows does start. When my desktop tries to load I get and error message saying "Explorer.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows. You must restart your program."

Then I am unable to do anything.

I tried in Safe Mode and I get the same error message. When I click on Control Panel the error message comes up

[seahwk83]

Try to see if you can get system restore to open without error

Start, settings, prrgrams, accessories, system tools, system restore

See if you can pick a date and time when this was not happening and try to restore to that point

[akuhns]

I still get the Explorer.exe error when going into settings.

[seahwk83]

I'm sorry,
Start, programs, accessories, system tools, system restore

Pick a date and time when this was not happening and try to restore to that point

If you can't get this in normal mode, try the same thing in safe mode

[akuhns]

I did go into program, accessories and system tools. I do not have system restore listed there and when I do click on anything in there I get the explorer.exe error.

[seahwk83]

Try and go to start and the run and type cmd and hit enter

At the command prompt, type
C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
And press Enter.

Follow the instructions given to perform the System Restore process.

[akuhns]

I just tried this and as soon as I hit OK after typing in cmd I get the error.

[seahwk83]

At this point, it is safe to say there is a problem with the operating system itself and a repair installation would replace/repair files that may be corrupt

I would try a scannow before rapair - read carefully
Windows XP: How to use SFC

Above should get files corrupt replace with original system files

Other option would be the reapir installation, I would assume you got recoery discs with your computer but these would recover your system back to factory settings

You may need to get a copy of windows (same version you have installed) to do the repair installation

Repair Installation
A Repair Install will replace the system files with the files on the XP CD used for the Repair Install. It will leave your applications and settings intact, but Windows updates will need to be reapplied.

A Repair Install will replace files altered by adware and malware, but will not fix an adware, malware problem.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx