There is a much easier solution to try first. He can launch IE with add-ons disabled first. If it launches there is his problem.
Yes that will work. but I suspect that the problem is a list a mile long of programs using memory which will make it look like the browser is not starting up.
Unfortunatly 20 years of using a computer does not always equate to knowledge about what goes on inside them. As such people always assume it is that DAMN Windows 95, Then it was that DAMN Windows 98 or NT, then it was that DAMN Windows ME or 2003, then it was that DAMN Windows XP, and now it is that DAMN Vista.
Contrary to belief I have been using Windows since 95 and have had exactly one virus/adware problem and that was when I was using ME. THat was coolweb search which I simple used a tool to get rid of. All I have done is follow a few simple rules. 99% of all problems related to Windows are due to the owner shooting themselves in the foot.