Resolved Internet Explorer has control of Connection Wizard and Task Bar

Internet Explorer has taken control of my connection wizard and icwconn1.exe. I have been reading other similar posts, but mine seems different. I prefer not to use IE. This week I have noticed the following problems. My favorite browser FF was taking so long to startup, doesn’t even appear for a couple minutes, that I wanted to have IE as a backup when I uninstalled and reinstalled it, so I installed IE8 as a backup and then uninstalled it. I didn’t consider that it would still be accessible through program files and could’ve avoided these steps. Even after using CCleaner and Eusing Registry Cleaner between reinstalling FF, it instantly installed with all of the previous settings intact.
I’ve been using Piriform CCleaner to clean temporary internet files and the recycle bin completely, and Internet Explorer has always been on the list of files to be deleted along with a considerable amount of temporary internet files, cookies and history even though I haven’t been using it at all. It is still doing this and the Internet Explorer Search still brings up all of the following locations:
C:\ProgramFiles
C:\Windows32\config\systemprofile\startmenu\programs
“ \ApplicationData\Microsoft\InternetExplorer\QuickLaunch
“ \LocalSettings\ApplicationData\Microsoft\InternetExplorer
“ \ApplicationData\Microsoft
C:\DocumentsandSettings\(me)\StartMenu\Programs\Accessories\SystemTools
“ \Favorites\Computing\Microsoft
“ \Favorites\Computing\Microsft
“ \ApplicationData\Microsoft\InternetExplorer
“DefaultUser\LocalSettings\ApplicationData\Microsoft
“Administrator\LocalSettings\ApplicationData\Microsoft
Even though it is not in my start menu, or add remove programs Explorer.exe is running in the processes list. If I end explorer, my task bar disappears. If I run explorer.exe, the task bar comes back.
If I try to delete any of the program files in C, they simply reappear at the bottom of the files list in the same folder.
Program Files Internet Explorer File contains the Connection Wizard folder. If I try to move this folder, it tells me X cannot remove program folder Connection Wizard: It is being used my another person or program although no browsers are open.
Searched the net for "Cannot Remove Internet Explorer" and http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950719 tells me that "After you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), you cannot uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8." Because my computer says Microsoft Windows Service Pack 3 in properties, the Windows SP3 doesn’t show up in my add remove programs, I have been getting automatic updates this week that tell me they can’t install SP3, and My operating system version was reinstalled my a professional last fall I’m wondering if this is the root of the Internet Explorer problem.
What should I do about this?

 

I feel that my computer isn't as secure if I don't have control over what my internet connection is doing.
I want as secure and private a connection as possible, because I use it for business and money.
It doesn't seem right that an internet browser would be an integral part of an operating system.
Did you catch the part of my post that states this program cannot be found in add remove programs?

 

You know, I wonder if my op is different

Hi Evan,
Thanks for posting with me. You know, my control panel has "component services" under Administrative tools. Opening it, Windows Firefall told me is was blocking some of it. I told it to keep blocking. I already forgot the exact message, sorry. I have a menu from control panel in my start, and alphabetically there is only add remove programs.
Don't you think that Internet Explorer is slowing my browsers down?
Honestly, I am paranoid about packets being sent out to microsoft. What business it is what sites I visit, especially if it slows down my pc? I'm not feeling complacent about this browser being given such a high priority task.
You honestly think I shouldn't care?

 

I see what you mean now

Now I see what you mean about the components, I didn't follow and have never used this before. Don't think that I want to. I still feel peeved about the browser being considered an op sys component.

 

What do you think about my sp3 issues

Hi Evan,

What do you think about the SP3 issues I have? Do you think I should post this to a new forum group?
I'm so not excited about the xp soon-to-be unsupported issue, and the frequent updates. I bet I'm not getting enough of them, I probably only get them once every couple weeks. I should probably study the Microsoft or Windows website.

Laura

 

Okay I posted this separate issues, thanks

I posted the SP3 problem under XP, thanks - here is the link
http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-xp/91946-what-should-i-do-about-sp3-update.html#post507214
In case you can't find it anyways.
I'll consider this internet explorer issue closed. Maybe I should look into Macs.