Computer appears to boot normally, but no access to applications?!

[Pops]

Last plea for help before I attempt a reinstall..

Windows XP Home, SP2

Appears to boot normally, AVG and ZoneAlarm connect to the internet and
update. But I have no access to any application. Error reads: "Windows
cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the
appropriate permissions to access the item."

But I am the administrator!

Can open explorer and navigate through the file system and even delete
files. Can access it from my other networked machines (so I have been able
to backup my files).

Have googled for a solution but the IE7 problem shouldn't affect me, I use
Firefox.

Any and all help appreciated.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Last plea for help before I attempt a reinstall..

Windows XP Home, SP2

Appears to boot normally, AVG and ZoneAlarm connect to the internet and
update. But I have no access to any application. Error reads: "Windows
cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the
appropriate permissions to access the item."

But I am the administrator!

Have you tried uninstalling IE Enhanced Security from control
panel\add-remove programs\Windows Components?

Have you tried logging in from another account? Do apps run from there?

If you create a new account via the real Administrator account, in Safe
Mode, and log into it, do apps run from there?

HTH
-pk