Runtime error

When I am trying to open IE or windows explorer I receive the following errors:

Program: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE.

This application has requested the runtime to terminte it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.
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and

Program: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\EXPLORER.EXE.

This application has requested the runtime to terminte it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.

I have tried to use system restore to solve the problem, which temporarily
works, untill the next time the system is rebooted. Can anybody help with
this annoyance??