I seem to be up doodoo creek without the paddles.

While trying up upgrade my system software on a Mac clone via an upgrade
from the Mac site on the net, the computer crashed and burned. When I
start up the computer from its own startup disk, the happy face just
sits there and smirks at me - no loading of extensions, no further
anything.

I ran Norton Utilities - it said to replace my original system software
- otherwise the HD is fine.

I started the computer with the system floppy disk (won't start from the
CD - but it will recognize and read the CD after I've started from the
floppy. The HD icon shows on the desktop, but none of the files in it
will open.

The problem is that when I try to load new system software, whether from
the floppy disks OR the CD, it stops within a few seconds and says there
is a "problem" - and won't load the new system software.

My next thought is that I should do a clean install, but first try to
back up my important files to a Zip disk. I can get a Zip to open using
the Iomega Guest, but when I try to copy a file from the hard drive to
the disk, it freezes or crashes. I DID back stuff up recently, but there
are files there that I'd rather not lose if possible.

Is there any hope of another way to get at those files to save them
before I wipe the HD? Any other ways out?

I'll owe anyone who can guide me out of this mess!

Thanks -

Cindy