i can access my files if i go to start> Computer, then a windows explorer window pops up, but if i click the explorer icon on the task bar or type explorer.exe or explorer into Run/New Task in Task Manager, it comes up with the Error that "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the default programs control panel." I also tried doing a system restore to earlier today and got no difference.

Phyry,Check out this thread and see if that information helps you.