There are many, many responses at
http://search.support.microsoft.com/kb/c.asp?fr=0&SD=GN&LN=EN-US
Search: "Control Panel"; Title only; Exact match.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299923&Product=w98
How to Troubleshoot Control Panel Issues in Windows
(299923) - When you attempt to open Control Panel (click Start , point
to Settings , and then click Control Panel ), it does not open as you
expect. One or more of the following may occur: You receive an error
message similar to the following: Program has...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;175211&Product=w98
Fatal Exception Error When Opening or Closing Control Panel
(175211) - Any or all of the following symptoms may occur:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;192806
How to Run Control Panel Tools by Typing a Command
(192806) - This article describes how to run Control Panel tools in
Windows by typing a command at a command prompt or in the Open box.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;221153&Product=w98
Control Panel Does Not Open
(221153) - When you try to open Control Panel, your computer may stop
responding (hang) or your screen may refresh, and Control Panel does not
open. You also cannot open Control Panel if you boot your computer in
Safe Mode.