In thinking about it, I have VMware Player on another computer that I haven't used that much, but now that I think about it I was able to get into Windows XP on that computer so I think the idea about a partial XP installation is probably what happened.
I guess the solution on this computer is to install VMware Player and XP and then somehow, if possible, install the shop manual.
Good thing is I know I'm not crazy now. The bad thing is my memory sucks.
Thanks to both of you for the help.