Anonymous Level Security Token Error combined with DECOMCNFG errors and finishing big with mmc.exe crash

Question

Hello
I'm running on  a brand new system Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit.
I have a problem with Internet Explorer 8. When a javascript tries to open a link into a new window I get the error message: Message: Cannot open an anonymous level security token.
The solution to this is to go to dcomcnfg -> Expand Componenet Services -> Computers
Select My Computer -> right click My Computer and select Properties.
On the Default Properties tab set the Default Authentication level and Default Impersonation level.
Here is the problem: These values can not be set. There are multiple problems with the DCOMCNFG interface.
1.  There are no values present in the drop down window. 
2.  The first time one selects properties from my computer to access the default properties tab, I get only a 2 tab page consisting only of COM Security and MSDTC.  I have to select the properties option a second time to get the correct page to
pop up containing the additional 4 tabs that include the default Properties. (strange, but I have actually seen this behavior reported elsewhere on the net by a developer)
3. On the default properties tab, the "enable Distributed COM on this computer" is unchecked, even though registry values indicate DCOM is enabled.
4. The drop down windows for "Default Authetication Level" and "Default Inpersonation Level" do not populate with any options when I check the "Enable Distributed COM" box.  Registry values appear to have these settings correctly set.
5.  Regardless of whether I modify any entries or not on the Default Properties tab, every time I close the Default Properties tab by selecting "OK", mmc.exe crashes and an error is generated. No crash if I select "cancel."  Error info below:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: mmc.exe
Application Version: 6.1.7600.16385
Application Timestamp: 4a5bc808
Fault Module Name: comuid.dll
Fault Module Version: 2001.12.8530.16385
Fault Module Timestamp: 4a5bdf82
Exception Code: c000041d
Exception Offset: 0000000000027eb4
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: c04d
Additional Information 2: c04dc172367dd59f9f2c3be375fb3e80
Additional Information 3: ab1b
Additional Information 4: ab1bd07e62aa9dd1521e9b185bfe43fc
What have I done to try to remedy the problem?
Ran fsc scannow and chkdsk with no change. 
What would I like?
To eliminate the anonymous level security token  error in IE8, and I assume the DCOMCNFG problem may be the cause.
Thanks, Jim

Answer 1

I have the EXACT signature of symptoms as described here, but with Windows XP: 
[Quote]
Multiple problems with the DCOMCNFG interface.
1.  There are no values present in the drop down window. 
2.  The first time one selects properties from my computer to access the default properties tab, I get only a 2 tab page consisting only of COM Security and MSDTC.  I have to select the properties option a second time to get the correct page to
pop up containing the additional 4 tabs that include the default Properties. (strange, but I have actually seen this behavior reported elsewhere on the net by a developer)
3. On the default properties tab, the "enable Distributed COM on this computer" is unchecked, even though registry values indicate DCOM is enabled.
4. The drop down windows for "Default Authetication Level" and "Default Inpersonation Level" do not populate with any options when I check the "Enable Distributed COM" box.  Registry values appear to have these settings correctly set.
5.  Regardless of whether I modify any entries or not on the Default Properties tab, every time I close the Default Properties tab by selecting "OK", mmc.exe crashes and an error is generated. No crash if I select "cancel." 
[/QUOTE]
I tried the COMFIX tool suggested by Jim Bacon - it does not complete for me however
(there is no "run as admin" option in Windows XP, just double clicked to run it. 
Otherwise followed as described (no Norton Ghost) 
It errors out: 
In the Command Window, it says Open Service Fail 1060
Specific Service does not exist as installed service 
And a Windows Script Host Window that reports error "the system cannot find the file specified" - code:80070002
Is this because it is XP? 
Is there something similar I can use for XP, or do I have some other limitation? 
Appreciate assistance - I was happy to find this issue reported here so pleased that at least I am not unique in that!