I removed several programs and installed SP3 on my XP computer at the same time. Now the System Restore pop-up is blank so I can’t restore my system to an earlier time This happens when in a normal Windows session or when working in ‘Safe Mode’.

Also my ‘HELP’ doesn't work and ‘search’ window opens but doesn’t have any text. A few of my emails have graphics, but no text.

When I went through the ‘Microsoft’s System Restore Troubleshooting steps’ to check free space ‘run diskmgmt.msc’ the error message ‘Microsoft Management Console has encountered a problem and needs to close’ appeared.

I have reinserted ‘Hypertext Markup Language component (.htc) files to the registry from Microsoft’s Help.

I would just reload my system and be done with it but I am a couple thousand miles from home and my computer only allows me to make one copy of Recovery Disks. I have a legal copy of Windows and Microsoft updates it automatically.

My computer is a HP Pavilion DV8210us with XP home SP3. It has 512MB RAM and 80GB hard drive. I use Windows Defender and PC Tools AnitVirus which are used often.
Do you have Windows CD with you?No. It is at my home. I am a couple thousand miles away for the next few months.Try to uninstall SP3, and see, if it helps.Uninstalled SP3. Popup is still blank.

However before uninstall, I noticed text in Outlook Express cannot be selected and INTERNET Explorer opens but doesn't work. 'Firefox' and 'Opera' work fine.

Later: Microsoft Works won't START (cannot access files needed to run). Reinstalled 'Works' and it still has the same error.

Is there a text generator(?) or program that is common to these Microsoft programs that could have been removed from the Registry?I SUSPECT some serious system file corruption. Can you borrow Windows CD from someone?

Also...
Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
Click on Download HijackThis Installer
Post HijackTHis log.OK. Dowloaded and ran HijackThis. The log is attached.

Everyone I know here has Windows Vista, but I'll see if anyone knows anyone who has an XP disk.

I was kind of HOPING it was something that was missing and could be added to the registry. Oh, well.

[Saving space - attachment deleted by admin]I see nothing dangerous there.
Try looking for that XP CD.I can purchase 'Windows XP Boot Disks' on EBay. Will they do the trick? The funny part is a few months ago I gave the Goodwill several computers with Windows XP and their Recovery Disks. One had XP Professional Boot Disks with it.You have to have Windows CD, not boot disks.XP bootdisks by the way are free...but they will not re-install XP...Can't find Windows CD from the few people I know in this small community. Plenty of Installation Disks for specific computers and one Windows XP Pro Installation Disk with the key.

The Boot Disk I was referring to, is supposed to install Windows XP (he says). 

I guess the simplest thing to do is reinstall Windows and retain the other files on my computer. Is there any way I can use the Windows Update files I have on my computeryou could try running a chkdsk /r command from the run line..... if thats no good, i would try to get hold of a xp disc and do a repair via the installation... after pressing f8 i think Quote

XP bootdisks by the way are free...but they will not re-install XP...