Have you tried windows update? Might help. Others may have suggestions as well. That's a new error message to me. Have you Googled the error messages? I wouldn't take too many drastic steps. It really is probably something simple but the only thing I can think of is try windows update. Try that update and if you get an error or something post back to this board. I am sure a much more experienced user will be along soon.The best advice is to first do no harm and proceed with caution.

It seems a combination of fixes was necessary to resolve the issue.

1) The Microsoft fixes
2) The physical removal of ZoneAlarm Pro (latest) firewall

While the MS fixes allowed me to log back into Windows, I was still having access denied problems to many applications. The strange thing is that ZoneAlarm was not loaded on startup. And even after I removed it using the Control Panel, it did not help. So I had to physically remove the two ZoneAlarm folders, one from the Program Files director and the other from the Windows/System32 directory.

Now I can log in and run my apps. I am crossing my fingers.

Thanks to the folks who offered suggestions.

After I repaired Windows XP from the DELL CD, I let Update take its course. It downloaded the hotfixes, SP2, then some more hotfixes. Then the problem kicked in. The problem has been reported on DELL forums. Microsoft recognizes it on Dell laptops. I was hoping Dell support may help with some ideas.