Windows Explorer error message after installing SP2 on WinXP Pro

[ibesso]

Hi.

I recently reformatted my computer in order to simply install Windows XP (+SP1). The installation went just fine, then I went to install the SP2 (I already d/led it offline - the 200M installation). The SP2 installation went just great, but after rebooting, the frustrating message showed up (Windows Explorer on the title bar): "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and will be closed".
I noticed other 2 copies of the EXPLORER.EXE file (in i386 and in the NTUNinstall dir). All gave the same result. I tried rebooting again and ended up with the same result. I also tried to keep on the Windows Update updates till I had no more and nothing changed.

When I removed SP2 and went back to SP1, everything was going well and my Desktop showed (EXPLORER.EXE was just fine). This time, I tried the Windows Update's SP2 installation and ended up with the same result again.
I even tried SFC /SCANNOW and it did not help me either.
I already installed XP with SP2 (same process I did this time) on my brother's computer and never got these problems during the installation or after it has been finished.
If anyone wonders how can I use the computer, I'll just say the only thing that is not right is that I don't have a DESKTOP (as explorer.exe isn't running), but I can use the TASK MANAGER to run everything (appwiz.cpl, etc.). If I try to run a FOLDER (e.g. C:\) using the NEW TASK in TASK MANAGER (just like I tried to run EXPLORER), I get the same error message.

I know I did a lot and searched a lot using google and all forums and yet did not find a cure to this. I really do not want to go back and use SP2, and moreover, I'm curious what is causing this problem.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jdemmi]

Have you booted in SAFE MODE?

Have you used "MSCONFIG" to temporarily disable items loading at "startup"

Have you run any spyware scanners? (Spybot S&D, MS Anti Spyware)

Have you run a full virus scan?

-- Jason
"It's Just Ones and Zeros

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883791

 

[ibesso]

Ohhhhhhhh... How much time did I spent (or "wasted") on this stupid problem.

bcastner: 10x for the link, but already read throught it and it was definitely not the case.

I solved this stupid problem by just READING the error details. The ModName was tlb.dll. A quick search through my folders showed it was the TrueLaunch Bar I installed (maybe the version was too old and incompatible with SP2). It worked perfectly on Win2K.

Anyway, conclusions are:
1. Always READ the error messages to the last letter !
2. Do not install ANYTHING on your computer till you installed all initial service packs and security updates.

Thank you anyway, Jason and bcastner.