US Immigration from Anguilla

Can this (a Temporary Protective Order) deny your application?

My friend let his 10 year green card expire back in 1999...life got in the way.. married to a citizen for over 10 years. He had his green card however, from before the marriage. He isn't technically illegal, since he has an expired gc, has a social etc. However, Atlanta uscis office says they can't find his paperwork. An attorney is suggesting he start all over fron scratch, and pay hin 4,000.00 to handle the case.

Other option is to file the form to replace the gc, but because of how long it's been expired, they may or may not replace it.

Please, has anyone been in this situation, how long ago, and your suggestion/advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated.