Random DLL error causes program crashes out of the blue

[Static EMP]

Yesterday I rebooted my computer, and out of the blue, I received two start up errors. Both ccApp.exe and aim.exe said they couldn't start because MSVCR71.DLL was missing. This was completely random, my computer was running fine before. This was completely out of the blue. Now, in addition to these programs not starting, other odd behavior includes Windows Media Player not starting, many Internet Explorer functions not working (I had to go on a different computer to be able to post this message because clicking "New Topic" would not do anything on my first computer), and Winamp not displaying video. I tried opening up Start>Search to find this missing file, but none of the options displayed in the search window. I have no idea how this file went missing in the first place; like I said, I just rebooted and this started happening.

The only thing I did differently before I rebooted was attempt to end the ccApp.exe process and the CTHELPER.exe process because they looked like they were taking up more resources than normal in my task manager. I don't recall; however, I believe Windows wouldn't even let me end ccApp.exe. I don't think this would cause a problem though, because after I tried to end them I rebooted (and since they're startup programs they normally would start right back up).

I am running Windows XP SP2 on a P4 2.2 GHz processor.

If anyone knows why this happened and what I can do about it, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[olds]

Get the dll here.
The bigger problem is what happened?
Update and run your AV, run spybot and hijack this.