This started all of a sudden with Windows XP home on a Dell 8400. When I try to open Windows explorer, Internet Explorer, Control Panel. the CPU usage goes to around 50% or more, and the programs never open. In the task panel, it shows they are running. If I boot up in Safe mode, I can run them OK. I have Trend PC Cillin and have run that, Ad-Aware, Spy Bot, and Registry Mechanic, with no improvement. I also tried system restore.
Would it be a windows problem, if these programs run OK in Safe Mode? How can I troubleshoot this. ( By the way , I am using Firefox on the same PC with no problem.....