Had the same issue ... along with empty search page, no users at Control Panel / Users, etc.
We downloaded the Windows Script 5.6 from:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
(If the link doesn't work, search Microsoft for Windows Script, choose XP or 98)
Ran the downloaded scripten.exe file, rebooted for good luck, and everything worked again.
FWIW, this also fixed an "AOL Companion program" error that had been outstanding as well ...