I can't find in ms a place to download msinfo.exe for Windows XP is there a way to restore it from a copy somewhere on my computer that I don't know about?
Try using System Restore.
Are you using XP Home or Pro and are you sure you mean msinfo.exe ?
There is no such thing on my XP Home, only msinfo32.exeIt might be a virus, tell us the symptoms you are having and when they occur.
Please come back and let us know how you got on.