Resolved Microsoft network is missing. How can I get it back?

I have a Dell XPS T500 running Windows 98SE. It was working fine, including internet access, until I had to replace the hard drive. I did a clean install of Win98, and added some drivers, programs, etc. During all that confusion, I somehow managed to delete the Network Neighborhood icon from the desktop. I now have no internet capability.

Early on bootup, as Windows is loading and I see just the green desktop background, I get this message

Unable to load the dynamic link library msnp32.dll
The system cannot find the file specified
Some or all of the following feature is not available
Microsoft Network

I can’t imagine why the system can’t find that dll file. It’s clearly there in C:\WINDOWS\System. I even replaced it with the same name and date file from the same location in another Win98SE machine I have.

I googled this problem and found that this is a common occurrence. I must have read 50 postings/replies at the various forums, but couldn’t find one that actually solved the problem.

I removed (totally) my network card, and then reinstalled it, but that didn’t help.

Client for Microsoft Networks is installed, as I can see it via Control Panel/Network.

According to Device Manager, my Linksys network card is installed and working properly, and has the latest drivers.

I really don’t want to start all over and reinstall Windows, and would very much appreciate if someone could help me restore Microsoft Network or whatever is needed to get this computer online.

 

Thanks, Arie, but I already did that. I also removed and reinstalled Client For Microsoft Networks and TCP/IP, but nothing helped. I'm now looking into doing a 'repair' re-install of Windows. Any tips on doing that?

 

Thanks, but it says that this is for installing on a blank hard drive.

 

Yes, I do.

 

Eureka! I reinstalled Windows (as a 'repair') and now everything is back to normal, and I can connect to the net.

Thanks to all who helped.

Now marking this thread as solved.