MSINFO32.EXE hangs on my system

I can run MSINFO32.EXE, but when I try to do File / Save it will eventually hang with HelpCtr.exe using a lot of CPU.

The reason I want to run MSINFO32.EXE in the first place is that my backup software will not work with one of my DVD drives nor will it recognize the new drive I bought and the vendor wants an .NFO file.

I have already:

1) placed a support call to Microsoft.

In the course of a VERY LONG set of calls and emails, I basically re-installed Windows XP. At that point MSINFO32.EXE ran.

Then the crazy MS engineer wanted me to install each Windowsupdate patch INDIVIDUALLY to troubleshoot the problem for MS. At that point there were already 80+ post-XP2 updates and installing them one at a time would have taken literally weeks of time (assuming I still ate meals and slept, etc.)

So it's clear that some MS update causes the problem on my system,

2) searched the Internet for hours... on at least two occasions

3) Re-installed Help and Support several times

4) Ran svc /scannow at least twice

5) Added a Registry value named "Headlines" (no effect)

I can't do backups because I can't get support from my vendor because I can't run MSINFO32.EXE.

Other than these problems my system is a workhorse that is used very actively. (The DVD drive works fine, too, with other programs)

Any help appreciated.