Hello,
I would backup my data, and then re-install WIndows XP. Yes, you might have the ability to use system restore, look at the amount of time you have invested mucking around with it instead of solving the problem.
It's also curious that your installed updates broke something. I would consider yourself fortunate that you even got into Windows, especially if your data is not backed up.
On the XP systems that I work with, I disable System Restore, and advocate backing up the data on a different device on a regularly, timely fashion. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a magical system restore.
Christian
kc0arf
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tayspen
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Or try system restore in recovery console.
http://toughadmin.com/article.php?article=System
-T
Thismight work, but I'd advise against it. It's more trouble than it's worth, really.
Having been in a position to see System Restores do nothing for you on a nearly daily basis, I'm of the same mind as Christian (kc0arf). If it's that jacked up, just reinstall. Your system's not really ever going to be the same way again. Also, System Restore not launching probably has nothing to do with the botched update-- it in itself can indicate an entirely different problem.
alc6379
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