I am getting this error whenever I open windows explorer, search, any folder and few other applications:

Explorer has caused an error in MSHTML.DLL
Explorer will now close

EXPLORER executed an invalid instruction in
module MSHTML.DLL at 0197:70073536.
Registers:
EAX=03675f2b CS=0197 EIP=70073536 EFLGS=00010207
EBX=ee489a9e SS=019f ESP=00c3f398 EBP=00c3f3f0
ECX=7007f728 DS=019f ESI=00000000 FS=5bcf
EDX=00c3f303 ES=019f EDI=00000000 GS=0000
Bytes at CS:EIP:
c6 53 20 02 dd 9a 54 7f c9 4b e6 aa 04 e8 75 28
Stack dump:
7000ba32 0367c5c0 70004120 00c3f520 700df936 0367c5c0 70004120 00c3f520 00000000 04df20e0 00000000 7001c480 00000000 00000004 036913f0 00000000

I then hit close and the thing I am trying to open ends up closing. So I can't get anything from windows explorer. I have tried to reinstall the MSHTML.DLL. That hasn't worked. I changed my registry back to the oldest day I could and that didn't work. I can't get into system restore because that gives me an error message. If anyone can help me with this problem I would be very greatful. Thanks in advance.

MSHTML is an IE component (I think!), if you can get to it, try running IE repair (Go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel, choose the Internet Explorer entry and choose Repair Internet Explorer in the box), alternatively, try re-installing IE from a CD if you have one.

Also, I believe you can do a system restore from DOS, hold CTRL as the system boots up, the windows startup menu should appear and if I remember correctly one of the options is to restore to an earlier point.

If you do manage to resolve it, I suggest upgrading to IE5.5 SP2 as errors in the version of IE that comes with Windows ME are common. Or get Opera, an even better browser.

HTH.
Carlos.

These two articles are close but not exactly your error

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q298098

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q265244&