BleepingComputer.com: Can't connect to my wireless network after IE8

I have lost the ability to connect to my wireless network after installing IE8. I can see it but it spends hours trying to acquire the network address. I can't configure the wireless properties because I get an error to the affect of "Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close". I can't seem to uninstall IE8 when I go to ADD and Remove Programs. It tells me it cannot find files. Has ANYONE had this problem??? What should I try that I have not yet....... Please help!!!

Edit: Moved topic from Web Browsing/Email and Other Internet Applications to the more appropriate forum. ~ Animal