This item remains unsolved, but I'm listing it anyway in the hopes it may save someone troubleshooting time. Customer's PC was full of viruses and spyware. After cleaning, it was better, but then after someone ran Cleanup!, the system started acting up. I knew the trouble was serious when Notepad.exe and other basic programs failed to open with the following error:

The system cannot execute the specified program.

This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.

Two hours, SFC and a spyware scan later, the issue persists. I'm suspecting the registry sustained damaged and recommended the system be completely reloaded.

be careful removing the rusty leg .. it may be the only one keeping the table from falling ~!

 

 

( WinXP Pro Windows XP Professional )