The start menu and toolbar lokked like the "old" style windows (grey) not XP. I was running windows XP home sp3 (it was originally sp2 that had been updated to sp3 about 8 months ago). System restore was unavailable/ineffective. It told me to restart and try again. Everything else I tried resulted in a wizard of some sort telling me everything was installed. Mcafee virus scan was unable to detect anything. Device manager recognized a wireless card, ethernet, bluetooth, all the hardware was there. What the ____ happened? I get the feeling reinstalling windows is my only option at this point. 1 person needs an answerI do too

I don't know what happened although it would be wise to do some hardware troubleshooting (or have a reputable local pro do it for you). I don't think you need to reinstall Windows; I think you need to reinstall the drivers for all your hardware whether Device Manager shows them to exist or not. http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Hardware_Tshoot Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from: 1. The device mftr.'s website; OR 2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR 3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.). Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers. To find out what hardware is in your computer: 1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer. 2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway) 3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc Advisor or System Information for Windows. http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor http://www.gtopala.com/ - System Information for Windows Be proactive: http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Backing_Up MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!