Application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005). click OK to terminate the application.

I have seen several postings on this topic, but it seems that every one is a little different, so I am posting my dilemma. I am sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place.
As of about 10 days ago, several programs will not open. Instead, I get the error window that states "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005). Click OK to terminate the application." As far as I can tell, this error message affects these programs: Ultraplayer, Windows Media Player, Sound Recorder, Logitech Setpoint, Quicktime Player, Real One Message Center, and Total Recorder.

My computer is a desktop, HP Pavilion a1020n. Windows XP Home Ed., SP 3. Windows updates are current. Run Avast antivirus software and usually have Windows Firewall turned on.

Here's what I've tried:
Tried to uninstall and reinstall several programs. Uninstall usually won't happen. Have tried new installs over the old, but it doesn't "take."
10 days ago - went back to a restore point. Did no good.
Have run Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy several times, including today (May 2). Today Ad-Aware found and removed a few items from the families of Cookies, Win32 Trojan Spy, and Win32 Tr\.\per Delf. Spybot found nothing today.
Have run CCleaner to clean up registry.
Ran Hijack This and saved the log. I can post it if it is needed.

I've considered reformatting the hard drive, but really don't want to resort to that.

I don't know what else to do. This is really frustrating. Any help you can give will be much appreciated.

Worth a look, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/217134

Seems to be a fairly common and varying problem, http://www.google.com/search?q=the+applica...art=10&sa=N

Louis

Worth a look, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/217134

Seems to be a fairly common and varying problem, http://www.google.com/search?q=the+applica...art=10&sa=N

Louis

Thanks, Louis. The Microsoft article refers to a problem with Soundblaster, which I do not have. And I've Googled until I can't stand it any more. Every hit I click on does not duplicate my dilemma.

Since it appears that no one here can help, I suppose I'll have to take my computer to the local repair shop. Hope they know what to do...

-Nancy

More information to possibly help, Finding a Solution for the 0xC0000005 Error.

I Know this is old you probably already figured out the problem but just want to know what it ended up being cause i had a similar problem a while back it ended up getting so bad that my files startted disapearing and the blue screen of death was a regular occurence i ended up finding out that one of my memory sticks was bad and i had to replace it fixed it right up

Thanks to everyone for their help and ideas. My computer still has the same problem. I have found a good repair shop near where I live, and am going to resort to taking my computer there. Whatever the issue is, it's beyond my skills to find out.

Again, thanks to those of you who replied. I appreciate it very much.

-Nancy

Sometimes...that's the best route for a user to take .

Be sure to ask for details of what the problem is...and what fix they propose...before they actually implement same.

If you could provide feedback on same, it may help others in similar/same situations.

Louis