Hello naughtynat,
Try doing a repair install of Internet Explorer:
Repair or re-install IE & OE in WinXP (
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318378)
Repair IE & OE (
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_reinstall_ie_and_oe_6.htm)
Hope this helps!
war1