After updating (to play online) all of my save games start me back in
the spot where I initially get the pistol right before heading outside
-- so pre-demons.  I've downloaded a .rar full of [someone else's]
auto-saves to try one of those and it has the same issue.  I get stuck
back talking to the guy behind the glass at the beginning of the game
who says to pick up my weapon (pistol and armor).

Any ideas?

Thanks.