Explorer Crashes When I Close a Folder; Get MSN Messenger Error Me

Hey all, This is my last resort. I have searched google; I have searched this
website; I've done everything I know to do when I run into a computer
problem. With nowhere else to turn, I am now posting a plea for help. Here's
the situation: About 4 months ago, I installed a fresh, legit copy of XP onto
a 2-3 year old computer. Within a week or so, I started noticing that, when I
tried to close folders, Windows Explorer would randomly lock up, and although
I press the X icon in the top-right and the window disappears, it remains on
the taskbar, and requires manual closing through Task Manager to fully exit
out - and doing so crashes Explorer. Reporting the error to MS lead to this
page:
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/response...2e054&SID=1894
I have since done everything I could to remove Windows Messenger - even
editing the registry to make it show up in "add/remove windows components"
and un-checking it. Despite my best efforts, folders will randomly stay open
on the taskbar, and Windows Explorer randomly needs a re-boot. Any advice,
ideas, suggestions, nudges in the right direction, ANYTHING would be most
appreciated. Thank you very much in advance for your time! I look forward to
your responses.