‘ipconfig’ is not recognized…

Unable to use IPCONFIG or PING commands in CMD.EXE, Error message:

‘ipconfig’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

PC running WINXP can no longer talk across workgroup, but can still access broadband connection (which is shared out. Other PC’s on network can see or shared internet connection either. Can run commands from c:\windows\system32 but can not access network still.

HAVE TRIED…
-Checked PATH is set to c:\windows\system32
-Used .\TCPIP /UNREG (this allowed me to use IPCONFIG, but still could not talk to other machines)

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO REMOVE TCP/IP COMPLETELY FROM WINXP?