Photoshop failed to start, PQueen.dll missing

By a stupid error I carried out a Sytem Recovery on my PC - a new Compaq running XP - rather than setting a Restore point. This wiped most of my software including Photoshop.

Although the PC worked when starting it said:

This application has failed to start - unable to locate component. Reader-sl.exe MSVCP71.dll not found.

Eventually I got most things functioning again with the help of the Hewlett Packard/Compaq technical support who guided me to attempt some changes in the registry.

However, on opening Photoshop 7 (and Elements) which had been reinstalled, I got an error message as follows:

Unable to locate component. Application failed to start because PQueen.dll not found.

In fact, clicking OK or closing the message allows the program to function normally, although the same then happens when I use my scanner.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software several times but with the same result.

None of the experts I've consulted have come across PQueen.dll (with capitals as shown). Perhaps a wild thought: Is it just possible that this is something inserted by the help team at HP/Compaq?

Any ideas for resolving this gratefully received.

 

Solved

Wonder of wonders! After further conversations with HP/Compaq and uninstalling and re-installing every program on the PC - some several times - the mystery message has disappeared. Everything seems to be working as normal. Goodness know how or why.

 

No, I fear not. But I've also got rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff at the same time.