When I sign on to my XP system computer (and before I start my modem and go on line) I get this small error window: "Windows internet Explorer cannot find file :///.  Make sure path or internet ADDRESS is correct."  This began maybe four or five days ago, and it persists even after I TRIED to go back via System Restore. Note no file is specified, only that brief prefix which tells me nothing. I'm using NIS 2009, and that is giving me a clean bill of health in respect to spyware and viruses.  My startup array is clean (nothing there that shouldn't be) and I keep that as lean as possible. This is essentially an annoyance. I haven't found any malfunction that could pertain to this. My computer seems to be functioning normally otherwise. Can anyone educate me re this please? It's odd that I would get an IE error window when Explorer hasn't even yet been activated and I'm not on line. I've Googled this issue to death to no avail, and I can't find this specific issue in your forums.What is your Homepage set to ? ?
Do you have Active Desktop enabled ? ?
If so turn it off and re-boot and see if the error goes away.Nope, ain't got no active desktop. I'm using one of my photos there.  My homepage is comcast.net. They recently went to a newly designed main page. How would that come into play when I'm not yet on line when this occurs? This looks like a golden opportunity for me to learn something. Can you offer more info?Since IE is looking for a file ./// i assumed if Active Desktop was on that a shortcut on the Desktop or the Desktop background image was not being found...
However that's not the case here.

Does IE load on startup ? ?
NOTE: This may be a hidden comcast feature...

DLoad StartupCPL from Mike Lin and it will install a Startup Icon inside Control Panel.
It's a tiny nifty app that will show exactly what loads on startup...even hidden items.

Don't edit anyting you're unsure of though.

P.S. What is that protection package you mentioned ? ?I use Norton Internet Security 2009, and I like it.... a lot.  I think Symantec finally got their act together with this one.  It's reasonably easy to use, it updates CONSTANTLY, and when it finds anything fishy, it tosses it unceremoniously. I've yet to smack into a virus or malware that NIS2009 couldn't handle.

I don't think IE8 loads along with Comcast's software. I have to double-click the Explorer shortcut icon on the desktop to launch it. But am I certain?  Nope.  I would think that would certainly show in the startup array, and my start list is kept pretty lean.  As for the suggested app, I'd need to know more. I did have a look at Mike's site. Much of it seems over my head, and I'm exceedingly cautious about adding anything I'm not confident about.  Har-har, when I DL something it usually ends up discombobulated and lost SOMEWHERE in the desert, even if it doesn't gronk my pc in the process. After all these years, yes, I'm still a novice at many pc things as I stumble toward official geezerhood, sixty-five. I tried a System Restore via safe mode but, sigh, no dice. The little blighter is still popping up like a gopher out of his hole.Mike Lin has written many solid apps and is well respected in his community...
We don't casually recommend things around here as we value our reputation.When you did the System Restore did you get a message that said "Restoration Incomplete"?

This is known issue with Norton. You have to disable protection for Norton products in order for System Restore to work. You don't have to disable Norton but just the protection for Norton products. You can turn it back on after you've done the restore.

Look at this page for instruction on turning off protection for your particular version.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/0/c7a9848df95596b9882570c900605bf5?OpenDocument&seg=hm&lg=en&ct=us

I suggest going back at least three days before the problem started.

If the System Restore doesn't work, uninstall IE8. Go into control panel and select Add/Remove Programs. Make sure there is a check mark next to "Show Updates" near the top. Find IE8 and uninstall. When you restart, your computer will have rolled back to IE7.

Furthermore I recommend that you download and install CCleaner. You can find it here
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
Install it and let it analyze your system and then run the cleaner. This will clean all of the crap out of your computer. Then let it scan your registry for ISSUES. You will probably be surprised at how many it finds.

Good Luck!