IE using explorer.exe process

Whenever Internet Explorer 6 is launched, it is using explorer.exe as it's
process instead of iexplore.exe. This is causing it to "group" on the
taskbar with normal explorer windows.
Even if I manually open a page from Start -> Run "iexplore [site]" it still
ends up under explorer rather than Iexplore.
I have removed IE from XP setup, and then re-added it (after a reboot) but
it still behaves in the same manner.
I've confirmed the file types for HTM / HTML / http protocol / url shortcut
are all exactly the same as on another machine which is working correctly.

Does anyone have any clues what might be causing this?

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Ant at Cisco wrote:
> Whenever Internet Explorer 6 is launched, it is using explorer.exe as it's
> process instead of iexplore.exe. This is causing it to "group" on the
> taskbar with normal explorer windows.
> Even if I manually open a page from Start -> Run "iexplore [site]" it
> still
> ends up under explorer rather than Iexplore.
> I have removed IE from XP setup, and then re-added it (after a reboot) but
> it still behaves in the same manner.
> I've confirmed the file types for HTM / HTML / http protocol / url
> shortcut
> are all exactly the same as on another machine which is working correctly.
>
> Does anyone have any clues what might be causing this?