With Win XP try deleting applications you don't happen to want, without following an obscure protocol, so that you can use your own preferences, say Opera instead of I.E., etc. and see what happens.
Suggestion: Prepare to reinstall XP. There's only one "right" way to trash any of the integrated apps.
Changing the default app. from WMP to a third party MP3 player, another example, isn't as difficult, but it isn't the little chore that Bob and Mary Aoluser are going to have a clue about how to do it.
The rigors of Passport and .Net are bad enough (didn't sign up? not to worry, you'll be reminded over and over again until you do) but the "integrated" (can you say, locked in?) selection of Micro$loth applications is bad enough that the DOJ should be able to split the Evil Empire into three dozen pieces after fining the original 20 or 30 Billion but don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen. :mad: