Network Connections Missing.Tried many solutions but none have wor

[Joe]

I have XP Home SP2 machine. The network connections folder is empty, even
after refreshing. Network adapters appear in Device Manager fine and
working. I have uninstalled/reinstalled and updated the drivers. I have no
icon down in the system tray. The same applies if I plug in a wireless
adapter. It will appear and install in device manager fine, but I will not
get a wireless icon in the system tray and it will not appear in network
connections. The wired NW card will get a IP from my router. IPCONFIG shows
the connection working fine, however I can not access anything on the
internet. I have tried everything I can possibly find out on the Internet
dealing with this issue including trying everything in the MS article
#825826. All the required services are starting correcting and the required
DLL's are registered correctly. My last two options are to try SP3 (I'm
downloading now), and then a reload of the system. Any ideas? I was hoping
to not get to that point. Thanks for any help! This one is baffling.

Joe

 

[Joe]

It looks to me like the machine is stuck between SP2 and SP3. Properties of
My Computer show SP2. Add/Remove programs says SP3 is installed. I
uninstalled SP3, and I can actually get to the internet now, however still no
icons in network connections. Tried to reinstall SP3 but eventually got a
"Access Denied" message. Going to try reinstalling SP2.