Stuck in Startup Repair loop after System Restore

I have a two year old Compaq Presario desktop that I purchased with Windows Vista preloaded onto it, the Vista cds did not come with the pc. I was having some issues being unable to see pictures and videos on many different websites that I was able to see before. I just removed McAfee Antivirus and installed Norton Security Suite a couple weeks ago, so I thought that could be the issue. I performed a system restore to an earlier point. When the machine powers up this is what I get:

1. Brief appearance of Compaq screen (esc to boot, f10 for setup, f11 for recovery)

2. Next I see the scrolling green bar with "Microsoft Corporation" underneath it for a few seconds. Just those two things, no Vista logo.

3. Next I get a black and white screen with the options to either launch startup repair, or start windows normally.

If I choose "Launch Startup Repair" it runs for a few minutes and tells me that "windows cannot repair this computer automatically"

If I choose "Start Windows Normally" It just takes me back to step #1 and starts all over again.

When I've run the system restore, it runs for a while and appears to have completed the restore successfully, but then after I reboot, I get #1, #2 and #3 again.

I have also tried running in safe mode, but I get the exact same thing. Also tried running in safe mode with command prompt, but I get the same thing and never get a command prompt.

I have a friend that works for MS, and they give out these cards for a free premium support call and encourage them to give them out to the public. I have that info, but unfortunately, it's Friday evening and the support is only available Monday through Friday. I'm currently working on a 10 year old laptop and slow doesn't even begin to describe it. I'd love to get my pc working before Monday. Any help would be appreciated.

TIA.

 

Sorry I couldn't get to this sooner, but I'm the only one apparently responding to requests and I can only do that part-time ...



I hope by now that you've exercised your support option and got this fixed.