Internet Explorer

I have followed the directions for connecting to Internet Explorer that were in a previous post. I can access it by blocking add-ons. I have removed or disabled all that I thought could be the problem (Yahoo and Google toolbars, Donkey Search, etc.). Unfortunately I still cannot open Internet Explorer without using Run. I have a laptop computer that is using Windows XP. It is older but still does what I need it for.

I have installed an updated Webroot program. It detected a Trojan file and removed it.

Do you have any further suggestions?