That file may be corrupted/missing/damaged. Looking at my XP system, I have
26 of those files all over the place! Latest version seems to be
7.10.3052.4 Replace the one in your \Windows\System32 folder (or similar -
not that familiar with Win2K) with a good one from another folder - like
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v1.1.4322, for instance.
If no joy, see if a BHO is causing the problem. In IE go to
Tools....Internet Options...Advanced tab, Browsing section, uncheck "Enable
third-party browser extensions", click Apply, Okay, reboot. See if that
helps.