"browse for folder" window is blank or will not open

[ramontana]

I have VHP SP1 all current updates. The system is Dell XPS 640 QUAD.

This behavior is seen in several different programs but not all. It is consistent for those that have the problem.
Here are some instances where it occurs; if I want to change the install directory of a program, when I point to a different
folder for profiles or configurations or to save as.
This is a list of programs where this occurs; AI Roboform, J river media center 12, windows malicous file remover, spamato for thunderbird, firefox 3

I have administrative rights and uac is off. I have run SFC.EXE and it did replace some files and I have restarted with no change.
I have reinstalled all of these but the malicous file which does not install but when I choose custom scan->choose folder the browse is blank.

I tested from safe mode and it did not change the behavior. I also reregistered the shell with no changes.