It all started with an event either around Dec. 4 or Dec. 12, after that I couldn't boot my laptop hp ze5835us (pre-installed with WinXP SP1 and upgraded to SP2 months ago with no apparent problems)--couldn't get to log-in screen.
So I tried the function keys at initialization and then finally used the OSCD for WinXp SP1that came with my hp. At this point I can log in and do things. But the files and settings that were saved to the folder: USMT2.UNC, with files IMG00001 (DAT) and Status (file) [this folder is on my Desktop and I also ran FAST saving my "old" files and settings to a 1 G Jump Drive ] will not return my computer to its former state when I run the Files and Settings Wizard. Instead, if I let FAST run and restart the laptop I am back to not being able to boot. So I figure I saved the "bad" file too with FAST.
Currently, I am logged in, but can't find a restore point prior to Dec. 28. Microsoft Office is not installed, all WORD docs are RTF. Programs I installed are accessible. OS is WinXP. My internet access was also eradicated.
There are several pop up messages:
1) Symantec Product Tamper Alert (appears whenever I restart)
2) Advanced INF Install %REMOVE_NODIR_ERROR%
3) Option to upgrade is not available at this time because set-up was unable to laod the file D:\i386\WINNTUPG\NETUPGRD.DLL The system cannot find file specified. (appears when I try to upgrade from OSCD WinXP Home SP1 hp)
I'm on a firend's computer right now. ...Standby...