What you have probably done is added a spayware program running on startup that conflicts with Explorer. See if this article helps. Although it pertains to one application, the procedure can help with many.

It could also be a sign of spyware itself, but try the above procedure first.

Hi, I ended having to reinstall everything, but do not see word or excel.  Do I need to do something to install them.  If so, which CD is it.  I don't feel like staying on the phone with Dell for two more hours.

Thanks