Problems with Explore, Desktop and My Computer

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.configuration_manage (More info?)

Yesterday I tried installing the game "System Shock 2" on
my computer. I have WinXP (SP1). Due to some compatability
issues (it's an old game) I had to edit some of the config
files in the game. In order to do this I needed NotePad. I
downloaded NotePad and processed the edits. The game
worked fine. The problem is that now when I right click on
Start, and click Explore, Windows Install manager starts
up and tries to install Money 2002. It asks me to put in
the disk for Money. When I keep clicking cancel, I finally
get Explore. The same thing happens when I click on My
Computer on my desktop. When I click on some other
shortcuts on my desktop I'm told the program can't run
because some files are missing. I try to run the same
program via Start=>Programs and I get the same error
message.

-Norton's antivirus is in my system tray but with an X
across it. When I try to open it, it can't be found.
-When I click on AT&T Internet connection on my desktop,
it starts to work but then tells me the phone numbers are
missing.
-It seems as though, with some of the shortcuts on my
desktop, some of the .exe files are missing (or moved).

I uninstalled the game and tried System Restore twice.
Once to a point last week, and again to a point last
month. Same problems.

I did not delete any files while installing or
uninstalling the game. I've run Disk Defrag and it tells
me I don't need to as I recently (a few weeks ago)
defragged my hard drive.

If I try to look at any .cfg files it tells me I need
NotePad.exe.

The computer boots fine but it appears as though some
components of some of my programs were moved. I don't have
the original XP Install disk as it came installed on my
Compaq Computer.

Please help!!!!