My Internet Explorer disappeared/disabled

[computernuts]

Hi,

I have been using Internet Explorer (IE) for years and now I have encountered problems . I have three computers sharing the same home network by a router. The OS on one machine is W2k, the 2nd and a laptop on W98. Except for the laptop, IE on both machines were suddenly disabled.

On the W2K machine, when I picked/selected the IE icon either from the desktop or quick launch bar, nothing happended. I could not launch IE from the Programs either. Out of desperation I thought I would reintall IE6 but I received "Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system. Setup canot continue". I've tried to remove IE from the Control Panel through Install/Remove Programs but still no go.

On the second machine with W98, same problems as the first one, except now I can't even get to my folders/ditectories from "My Computer" the message seemed to suggest that because of the IE problem I am unable to open "My Computer". I upgraded this machine to W2K but the same problems remainel.

The laptop works fine.

Please help.

DL

[redwench]

well, youre lucky. win2k can run a repair installation, usually with minimal problems. but get that laptop off that network.

you can remove ie, although you might have to do a manual delete and registry clean. although thats pretty much the second to last resort. try here: http://forum.gladiator-antivirus.com/index.php?showtopic=4754

you might want to look at antivirus programs. but whatever you do, keep that laptop seperate from those computers until youve run several scans.

[computernuts]

:D

Thank you for the extremely fast response. Since I'm so low-tech, I'll digest your advice for a few days, collect enough courage and try it. I'll post the result back. Again, thank you very much.

DL