Hi, I have accidently deleted the iexplorer.exe file from my c drive and cannot repair from the control panel as Microsoft Internet Explorer is no longer showing on the program list - do I need to re-instal Internet Explorer?

Did you look in your Recycle Bin to see if it is there? You could simply restore it then. Otherwise, assuming you have another browser on there, you could go out and try the new Internet Explorer 9 Beta - Microsoft Windows

I had also deleted the contents of my recycle bin too - a steep learning curve in checking prior to actions so am left with no browser on the laptop (am using another laptop at the moment) - does this mean i can only load using a disc version?

Let's make sure you really deleted it first. Go to Start and enter iexplorer.exe and see if you find anything. If you do, then create and copy a shortcut. You can order a CD from MS. Or if connected to a network, download it to one computer, then copy it over. You may also be able to go into Control Panel and Add and Remove Programs and click on Windows Components and add it from there.