Continual error message when clicking on icons

[Guest]

Whenever I double-click on an icon on the desktop I receive an error message
"Windows explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry
for the inconvenience." The error signature ---AppName: explorer AppVer:
6.0.2900.2180 ModName: atl.dll ModVer: 3.5.2284.0 Offset: 00002e26
What is happening and is there a solution? Thank you.

 

[Guest]

Many reasons for this to happen. Recommend you do an immediate
scan for malware/spyware.
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition - Download Free version and Run It!
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

If no resolve after running the above, go here:
Start>Run>type SFC /SCANNOW (space between C and /) and press OK.
SFC=System File check, it checks for missing or corrupt system files and
replaces them. Have your WindowsXP CD handy for it may ask for it.

 

[Guest]

I appreciate your help and I did exactly as you said (I have Ad-Aware Pro and
I also ran Spybot) however I am still getting the error messages. Now I
can't click on "addresses" and cutting & pasting is getting a little tedious.
I am begging anyone for help since I am clueless at a reinstall of WinXP Pro.