"class not registered" vs Windows Update

[Miri]

I am presuming my latest problem is due to a Windows Update, but I can't be
sure. On Nov 28 2007, my Windows Explorer (NOT Internet Explorer) stopped
working. I can't open folders nor run certain programs. I cannot open
anything to get to a previous restore point, nor can I check for Windows
Updates. When I try to open folders I get an error windows displayed as
Explorer.EXE in the header, and Class not registered in the body. The only
other thing in the window is the OK button. If I try to do a Windows Update
(I can only get to it through the internet, not through navigating my
computer) I get the following error: C:\Windows\system32\ExplorerFrame.dll
is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try
installing the program again using the original installation media or contact
your system administrator or the software vendor for support. (Huh?) When I
close that window, another one pops up that displays the following:
::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{36EEF7DB-88AD-4E81-AD49-oE313F0C35F8}
Class not registered. (Whew!) Does anyone have the slightest clue what is
going on and how I fix this? Any thoughts and easy solutions/instructions
would be appreciated. I am running Vista Home Premium that came installed on
a new Dell XPS system.

 

[HereItIs]

What happens when you click on Vista Start button and type either "Restore"
or "rstrui" within the Start Search box ?

Do you get the same error ?

If yes, have you tried to run System Restore in Safe mode ?

 

[Miri]

I tried all the same things while in Safe Mode, but get the same error. Nice
try, though! I poked around in some other ways and got a bit further on
getting into some other folders that I was sort of locked out of, but the
more serious problem remains. Keep sending ideas if you have any. Thanks so
much.

 

[brian]

i have the exact same problem running vista home premium on a gateway laptop.
can someone please give us a solution

 

[Miri]

I took my computer in to work to have a "real IT" person look at it. It was
beyond his ability to repair, so we went with reinstalling Windows Vista Home
Premium. He seemed to think that the error was related to a conflict between
Vista and my Norton anti-virus software.

After reinstalling Vista (I broke down and bought an external hard drive to
back up as much as I could beforehand), I then loaded all the Windows
Updates, then one by one added my software, including Norton Antivirus 2007.
It's been a week, and so far, so good.

I don't consider reinstalling Vista any sort of real solution - just a last
resort. Sorry I could not offer any better suggestions. Good luck!