Strange problem with windows XP, device manager thinks it's explorer.
 

When I try to open the device manager, this is the bullshit I get:



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Internet Explorer


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Any idea what this is about or how to fix it?

That's odd, how exactly are you getting to the device manager? Are you doing it by right-clicking on My Computer, going to properties then clicking the hardware tab, or directly from the mmc snap-in? if it's the former method, try the latter. If you don't know how to get there through the mmc, go to Start/Run and type in mmc. At the top click on File/Add/Remove Snap-in..., then when the window pops up click Add.. then select device manager, click add, then close, then ok and there will be your device manager.
An even easier way is to just right-click My Computer and then click on Manage and the device manager will be one of the items on the tree.

Hopefully one of these ways works, but I'm rather doubtful because all these methods go through the mmc, and to be honest, I've never seen that problem before. A quick google search found me nothing useful, but hopefully some of these great minds on the TFP can solve your problem.

I tried all three methods with no luck. A few seconds ago I thought of restoring what was available in the regscrub backup. It fixed the problem. I ran regscrub again to see if it repeats the problem but it still works. Looks like it may have been a registry entry that deleted the first time by accident.

I would run anti malware programs. spybot, etc.

I suppose the machine has been hi-jacked or the registry got messed up some other way.
Did this start after installing something?

Knowing the page IE wants to connect to may help.
Goggle it.