I am getting error messages saying that "  ohpoeblp.exe  " is not responding on
my Windows XP laptop.  What is this program, what other program put it
there, and can I delete it? I cannot find any reference to this
program on the Internet anywhere. Microsoft has never heard of it.

Hello... Do the following:

1. Check with a antivirus if you dont have any virus in your pc.
BitDefender is the best av IMO. Or do a Online Check:
http://housecall.antivirus.com/
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/license.php (RECOMENDED)

If you dont have any virus in your entire PC, continue this steps.

2. Try to find the file. Go to Start, and click "Search".
3. First Field write the filename "ohpoeblp.exe"
4. When you find it, hit secondary on it and select "Properties".
5. If you dont see any tab called "Version" delete the file.

Also, you can donwload Antispyware software to check your pc.

http://www.webroot.com/wb/products/spysweeper/index.php

Tell me if you dont understand something.

Good Luck.