weird stuff

I have a problem with explorer had it before and after reformating deep and fresh reinstall cant load java or activex at all and I get no yellow warning bars.Java would not install auto or manual from the java site.
So I went sun's site and got it to install from the download but still nothing
works.Wont a virus scan find a boot sector bug?It affects firefox to so I cant go to support site because they have errors where contact buttons should be.winxp pro updated from original to 1 then sp2.Its oem so it $59
at microsoft for support.My software skills are sadly lacking or I would look in the regestry but I would'nt know what to look for.Im a hardware guy not software.By the way it runs games just fine and no problems with
any other software.