Can't get on line Internet explorer corrupeted

Help I can't get onlime with my other computer. explorer
is corrupted and i can't get onlin to get critical updates
or patches from micro soft.

I have tried to reload windows xp but this was a mistake
as i lost any system restore points wher I sometimes was
able to get online.

I would A: like to get a patch or fix for this problem or
B: preferably reformat the hard drive and start from
scratch.

does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks Tom