Add or Remove Programs in CP Failing

Environment:
Windows XP Home
Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519, Service Pack 2)

Situation:
On September 26th, I attempted to access the Add or Remove Programs functionality within Control Panel. Received the following in a display box -
RUNDLL
An exception occurred while trying to run "C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL "C:\WINDOWS\system32\appwiz.cpl ",Add or Remove Programs "

As part of troubleshooting, I downloaded the most recent signature/description files for Ad_Aware, Spybot 1.6, and Norton Anti-Virus 2006 programs and ran all in Safe Mode. No virus or spyware was detected by any of the products. Furthermore, the datestamp and location of the rundll32.exe file on this computer agrees with that found on my XP Pro computer in which Add or Remove Programs functionality performs successfully.

Any ideas on how I might proceed in order to return the Add or Remove Programs functionality within Control Panel on my XP Home computer would be appreciated.

P.S. - I did transfer the error report on this to Microsoft but did not receive any indication from MS that there was any information relating to this problem was available.

 

I'd try a windows repair. Boot from your XP disk and follow the prompts through the repair path.

 

Hello RetiredITGuy and welcome to the Board

Try sfc - system file checker tool first before doing a repair install:
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/howto-24.html

It'll replace any corrupt system file which it finds which is what this sounds like.

Regards - Charles