IE6 "Permissions" -- no launch!

Hello,

Recently (perhaps after a December win update?), I cannot launch IE6. The
error I get is "Windows cannot acces the specified device, path, or file.
You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

I have verified that iexplore.exe actually exists where it should (C:\Program
Files\Internet Explorer\). I have even tried uninstalling via add/remove ->
windows components and then reinstalling using the same method. I still get
the error.

I am running Win XP Pro SP2. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kris