Issues with Microsoft IME

[Chase]

Hi there. I could use some help regarding the Windows IME. I've typed Japanese on this XP machine for years, without any problems. From one day to the other though, I can't type any character:
In "Direct Input" mode, I can write romaji as usual.
If i switch to "Hiragana" or "Katakana", nothing shows up! Same with the IME pad: If I click on the kanji, they simply don't show up.
Weirdly enough, the KANA input mode does work. But, meh, I don't know the Japanese layout anyways


In the language options, I can't open "Properties". Sorry for the German version of Windows, but I guess you'll get what I mean


Has anyone experienced similar problems, or can tell me what to try?
I already tried removing and adding the Japanese input from my layouts, what didn't help. Maybe there's a way to "uninstall" it ? Help is very much appreciated!

[iroriki]

It appears to me from the screenshot that you are using Microsoft natural input, and not the Windows IME. Unless you are set up for natural input I don't believe that will work properly for you. I would change it back to Windows IME.

[Chase]

僕はバカだった！ It was all my fault. If you ever have the urge to delete the environment variable %windir%, DON'T DO IT ..Just don't ask^^ (appearently it is used by Windows-internally, and I thought it was set by some second-rate software)
ごめんなさい, and thanks again iroriki for the help on IRC!