Command prompt not executing

Hi all
Running XP Pro SP2. Normal office programs installed + view development programs.
No virus threads detected lately.
The Problem:
When you start/execute the command prompt using run command or start menu it does not execute some commands like.
Ipconfig, edit, ping exct
You need to bee in the root of the system 32 directory before these commands execute. Is there a way to fix this problem without taking to much drastic measures? SFC did not work.
I need to not reinstall OS or programs.
Thanks