Runtime Error! C:\Windows\explorer.exe

Hey everyone, new to this forum and in desperate need of help because I have tried everything I know to no avail.

I basically get the following error when I try and open anything from the desktop such as 'My Computer' 'My Documents' 'Recycle Bin' or even the control panel through the start menu. The only way I can browse my folders is using the 'run' command box. The full error message reads as this;

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\Windows\explorer.exe

The application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusual way

I click ok and the desktop disappears as explorer.exe shuts down and then reappears as it restarts.

This happened last night after I installed a game on my PC. It installed fine and with the game was an official update patch. However I didn’t execute the patch in the game directory, I executed it on the desktop - the patch said it was successful but would this have affected it? I have removed all traces of the game but I am still having this error.

I have ran Ad-aware and Mcaffee virus scans in normal and safe mode and have been unable to find anything.

Also explorer.exe works fine in safe mode but not in normal mode.

I have run the sfc / scannow in the run command and everything is fine

I have ran BHO CAPTOR with no unusual results

I have used HJT and I can’t personally see a problem

Any ideas? I have browsed other forums but there doesn’t seem to be a solution.

Thanks for any help

PS. I'm on Win XP, Dell computer

You might try a System Restore to a point prior to your problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

I tried that first, set system restore to two days prior but the error still comes up.

Would I be correct in assuming that if it works fine in safe mode then it cant be a damaged or missing file but it would be a process running that is conflicting with explorer? or is that just wishful thinking! lol

Please read THIS and after completing the steps outlined post a HijackThis log over in that section along with a brief description of your problem.

Do not post HijackThis logs in this section please.

If they give you an all clear then return to this thread and we can look further.