Computer newbies: Thought I Uninstalled Windows IM, but PC Now Screwed Up

Thought I Uninstalled Windows IM, but PC Now Screwed Up

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 running Windows XP SP2.

I have IM installed, but don't use it. I'm signing up for an online job site and have to install IM using my real name. When the job site tries to install IM, the system stalls. So, I decided to delete my current IM and install it again.

I went to Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs, but IM wasn't listed. To the left, there was a link to "Add/Remove Windows Components", so I clicked on that.

I got a screen called "Windows Components Wizard", which showed a list of components you could add/remove. I found Windows Messager, checked that check box only, and clicked on Next. It seemed the wizard did more than delete Windows Messager, but I cannot tell you what it did because it never displayed any messages.

I booted my PC this morning and have many changes! I don't like any of them!

1. My Outlook 2003 doesn't just display my mail. It has several tabs and MS Help is useless. I've always displayed my mail as the default and made sure that all new messages were NOT automatically opened and displayed.

2. There are 3 missing icons on my toolbar: Start IE, go to Desktop, and (I can't remember the 3rd).

3. I no longer have WordPad installed, which I need because I have to reinstall Word again and haven't had the time.

4. I have no way to start IE (IE 6). It is no longer on my toolbar and not in Start -> All Programs. Fortunately, I have 2 links to 2 web sites on my Desktop.

5. I wonder what else is different. I haven't checked anymore.

What did I screw up and how can I fix it? I have a feeling this is not going to be simple.

Thanks for all of your help,
Jordan