Hey Brian,
I have a system that I am trying to fix that has the same problems that you are experiencing. None of the icons in control panel will open. I can't shut down or restart the computer from start menu etc... I was wondering if you had any luck resolving the problem.
Also If it helps you can open control panel icons by going into C:\windows\system and right clicking and selecting Open with Control Panel files with .cpl extension. For example Sysdm.cpl will open System Properties, Appwiz.cpl will open Add/Remove Programs, etc...
Brandon