xp sp3 - unable to initialize installer gui + internet problems

Has anyone got any suggestions for the following symptoms, occurring just after reinstalling xp sp3 ?

- windows auto updates appear to be disabled (too soon to be sure) - url s in mails don't respond (zero response, not even an error message) - creating a new shortcut on desktop gives a msg "unable to find it" and the shortcut is disabled

- in ie, a left click on a url sometimes works, sometimes gives an error msg about a search key (inc windows update)

- in ie, a right click on a url gives an error msg about a search key - in ie, a click on the home icon opens the home page in firefox - in windows, clicks on a url often give an error msg about a search key - instals don't work, trying to instal internet explorer 7 results in a message "unable to initialize installer gui"

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