Read numerous posts and forums. Only thing I tried thus far was to boot in Safe Mode, then used system restore to go back to configuration from last Friday, before some automatic installs were performed.
Upon reboot, got a BSOD screen with message "STOP: C0000145 - Application Error The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142). Click on OK to terminate the application". There was no OK anywere to click on, so I just used the Power button to reboot.
Upon reboot, CHKDSK launched automiatcally. File verification returned one message:
Correcting cross-link for file 141680
Index verifciation reported no errors
Security descriptor said it inserted something into a file, but the message flashed too quickly for me to capture it.
It then did auto reboot and when it got to the blue screen with the Windows XP logo, it just hung there. Typcially I get the screen to select which user to log on to. After a minute or two, it went back to the C0000145 BSOD screen. Then I rebooted using the Power button, and it hung again at the blue screen for 15-20 seconds, then I got a pop-up saying application failed to initialize (Googleupdate.exe); press OK to terminate. So I clicked OK, then back to the same blue screen and it continued to hang there without giving me a BSOD screen for the last 15 minutes while I have compiled this mail.
Not sure if I have helped or hurt the situation by restoring to last Friday. I do not have a CD for Windows XP as Dell stated I did not require one, instead a CD shaped insert says I should use Windows System Restore or Dell PC Restore if I ever have to reinstall software.
Anyone have advice on what I can do to remedy my situation?
Edited by thegman, 17 August 2010 - 09:32 AM.