Windows XP Pro system access problem

[Snarpy]

I need to remove a program on my laptop, running XP Pro. When I go to My Computer>Add or Remove Programs I get this message:
Windows cannot access teh specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item. I get the same message for My Computer>View System Information and various items in the Control Panel.

I am using a home network, if that has any bearing on this.

I'm searching for answers at Microsoft, but am having trouble locating relevant information.

Snarpy

[Mandi]

Are you logged in as a user who has Administrator-level permissions?

[Jeff]

Are you logged in via an account with administrator privileges?

Edit: Oops... sorry Mandy. Note to self: refresh page after taking phone call before hitting reply. Where did the time go...

[Snarpy]

Yes, I should have Administrator permissions. Just to make sure, I logged in as "Administrator" and had the same problems.

I still haven't found an answer at Microsoft, but I have found about eight people in the newsgroups that have the same problem, and nobody has answered their problems satisfactorily. :(

Snarpy

[Snarpy]

Hallelujah! It was the system security settings in my Kerio firewall.

Snarpy