Windows xp web connecting issue

bcmf

OK.Hope someone can help me here.
Running xp home edition. A while back I lost all connectivity to the web via IE or Safari. I put the laptop away for a while and decided to dig it out as I got a windows fone and wanted to use it for zune etc.
Now the prob that is arising is the
a) when I click on IE (7 I believe) nothing happens. I can left click and get into the dropdown box but IE ail not open.Nothing happens.
Its in the program list but nada happens.
b)When I click on safari it comes up with the message 'Safari has encountered a prob and needs to close'. Was using safari as the browser.
c) I can connect to my network and have the computer updates all up to date. It updated last night (had 60 - odd updates so some sort of connectivity is there)

I cant find the disks* so really dont wanna uninstall as I have no way of reinstalling.

Toughts,hints suggestions!!!!


*I am not even sure if it came with disks as it was my father in laws laptop. It is genuine and I was there when it was bought new.

MarkR

Download either the chrome or firefox installed on another computer, and transfer it to your xp laptop using a flash drive. It sounds like you have connectivity, but the applications aren't launching for some reason.

Capt'n Midnight

do a check for malware in case you have a browser hijacker or somesuch

depending on the PC you may have an option to make backup disks or have a restore partition

bcmf

Thanks guys.Turns out it was prob a registry issue.