Runtime Error keeps me from using pc

[ButterflyKisses]

I am quite at a loss here. Hope this is the correct forum to post this in.
I am able to bring up the pc, and to access my Outlook Express to get my email. The problem comes when I try to access any websites. I get a runtime error Program:C\Program Files\Internet Explorer\exlplore.exe
I also am not able to access anything using the icons on the desk top. I get the same message, and when I click ok, the screen goes blue and I have to Control/Alt/Delete to take the system down. I can access programs on the pc by going to start, and so far everything except the Norton Antivirus software seems to be working. I haven't checked out every program yet. Can anyone help? I am running Windows 2000 ME
PS Thank God for old pc's that I can use for backup!

[ski]

Look in Control Panel/Add-Remove Programs for an entry called Common Name or similar, and uninstall it if it's there.
If it's not listed there, then look in C:/Program Files/Common Name. If it's there, then delete it.
If no luck in finding Common Name, then reinstall Internet Explorer.
If still no luck, reinstall Windows over itself.