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From: Stan on 3 Jan 2010 17:47
I checked and found one piece of hardware did not have the driver installed
and corrected. I also stopped my virus protection prior to the install of SP
3. I still get the same results of windows will not start and must revert
back to when it would start. Any other suggestions are appreciated as my
search of this forum and the microsoft online help do not have anything
matching my situation as I can find.
--
Stan


"Stan" wrote:

> I had to replace my hard drive. I ran the XP Home install and installed SP
> 1A. When I install either SP 2 or 3, when my PC reboots it will not load
> windows but goes to safe start. ( no errors when installing SP) I then have
> to go back to previous setup prior to the SP install to get it to work. I
> need SP 2 or 3 to be able to use most of my software. PC Gateway 5000,
> Pentium 4, 2 ghrz
> --
> Stan
From: smlunatick on 5 Jan 2010 14:18
On Jan 3, 10:47 pm, Stan <S...(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> I checked and found one piece of hardware did not have the driver installed
> and corrected. I also stopped my virus protection prior to the install of SP
> 3. I still get the same results of windows will not start and must revert
> back to when it would start. Any other suggestions are appreciated as my
> search of this forum and the microsoft online help do not have anything
> matching my situation as I can find.
> --
> Stan
>
> "Stan" wrote:
> > I had to replace my hard drive. I ran the XP Home install and installed SP
> > 1A. When I install either SP 2 or 3, when my PC reboots it will not load
> > windows but goes to safe start. ( no errors when installing SP) I then have
> > to go back to previous setup prior to the SP install to get it to work. I
> > need SP 2 or 3 to be able to use most of my software. PC Gateway 5000,
> > Pentium 4, 2 ghrz
> > --
> > Stan

Stopping anti-virus "may" not prevent the anti-virus from "blocking"
the "massive" file update that a "service pack" does. Sometime, you
need to uninstall the anti-viurs software before installing a "service
pack."
From: Shenan Stanley on 5 Jan 2010 15:41
Stan wrote:
> I checked and found one piece of hardware did not have the driver
> installed and corrected. I also stopped my virus protection prior
> to the install of SP
> 3. I still get the same results of windows will not start and must
> revert back to when it would start. Any other suggestions are
> appreciated as my search of this forum and the microsoft online
> help do not have anything matching my situation as I can find.

Time to go through the list....

First - please verify the exact edition, version and architecture of
Windows XP you have:

Press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the
"Pause/Break" key. Let go of both. This is equivalent in Windows XP to
having right-clicked on the "My Computer" icon and chosen "Properties"
from the menu that appears. When the new window appears - ensure you are
under the "General" tab. Is there *anything* in there to indicate you
have a 64-bit version of Windows XP, like the words, "Windows XP
Professional x64 Edition Version"?

If there is, let everyone here know this and stop the quest - as you have no
SP3 for your operating system.

If there is not, let everyone here know this and continue the quest.

Next we will get the edition and version information...

Start button --> RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
--> type in:
winver
--> Click OK.

The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
(Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
"version" will give you the rest of the story. Post _both_ in response
to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
character-for-character copying.

Next question has to do with what type of computer you own and what type
of processor it has. It's pretty straight forward: Is it an HP branded
computer and does it have an AMD processor installed?

If the answer to BOTH of those is YES, then you need to prevent a known
issue with that combination using the following instructions:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com:80/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&softwareitem=pv-60484-2

If the answer to EITHER of those is NO, then you are generally safe in
continuing on. But either way - answer back here so everyone can know
what you are doing/what you have step-by-excruciating-step.

What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
(just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.

Now that we have some base information, let's cleanup and get ready to
install Windows XP SP3 onto your Windows XP system.

Reboot so you start with a fresh machine. For everything here you will
need to logon as an user with administrative (installation) priviledges.

Fix your file/registry permissions...

Ignore the title and follow the sub-section under
"Advanced Troubleshooting" titled,
"Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
*will take time
** Ignore the last step (6) - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.

You will likely see errors pass by if you watching, even count up. No
worries *at this time*.

*After* that is done, continue on to the next part where you clean off
some excess (unnecessary) files. It only removes those you definitely
do not need, if you follow the directions *as given* and do not deviate.
So reboot (for each of these steps, it is just best to reboot right
before - but I will continue to point that out) and logon as an user with
administrative priviledges.

Download/install the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installing, do the following:

Start button --> RUN
(no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
--> type in:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
--> Click OK.
(The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)

It will flash by *quick*, don't expect much out of this step to get
excited about. But the cleaner your machine is to start with, the
better your luck will be later (not really luck - more like preparedness,
but that's not as fun to think about, eh?)

Yeah - you will get tired of rebooting - but let's soldier on and reboot
again and logon as an user with administrative priviledges.

This time (and this is one of the more time-consuming steps) you will be
running (one at a time with reboots in-between each) three different
anti-spyware/anti-malware applications to ensure you come up clean.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
(freeware version):

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download and run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
do/don't find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
problem resolved.

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=5A58B56F-60B6-4412-95B9-54D056D6F9F4&displaylang=en

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Download the latest version of the Windows Update agent from here (x86):
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
.... and save it to the root of your C:\ drive. After saving it to the
root of the C:\ drive, do the following:

Close all Internet Explorer windows and other applications.

Start button --> RUN and type in:
%SystemDrive%\windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE
--> Click OK.

(If asked, select "Run.) --> Click on NEXT --> Select "I agree" and click on
NEXT --> When it finishes installing, click on "Finish"...

Reboot and logon as administrative user.

Visit this web page:

How do I reset Windows Update components?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

.... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
reboot when it is.

Now for SP3...

Download the full SP3 installation file.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4

You are just saving it right now - not running it yet. There will be no
file size deviation - it is 316.4MB.

You should now perform a full CHKDSK on your system drive (C:)...

How to scan your disks for errors
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
* will take time and a reboot

You should now perform a full Defragment on your system drive (C:)...

How to Defragment your hard drives
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
* will take time

Reboot right before you try to install SP3.

Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically disconnect -
pull the network cable or disable the router/modem.)

Uninstall any and all third-party firewall applications (ZoneAlarm, etc)
and utilize the built-in WIndows Firewall only.

Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install SP3. Usually right-click on the icon in the taskbar gives you
a choice to do so.

Install SP3 by running the downloaded executable.

Reboot when requested to do so.

Logon and let the machine 'settle' for about 10 minutes.

Reboot.

Give it 5 minutes after logon to 'settle' - reboot.

After that - there will be more updates.

Log on as an user with administrative rights and open Internet Explorer
and visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select to do a
CUSTOM scan...

Every time you are about to click on something while at these web pages -
first press and hold down the CTRL key while you click on it. You can
release the CTRL key after clicking each time.

Once the scan is done, select just _ONE_ of the high priority updates
(deselect any others) and install it.

Reboot again.

If it did work - try the web page again - selecting no more than 3-5 at a
time. Rebooting as needed.

The Optional Software updates are generally safe - although I recommend
against the "Windows Search" one and any of the "Office Live" ones or
"Windows Live" ones for now. I would completely avoid the
Optional Hardware updates. Also - I do not see any urgent need to
install Internet Explorer 8 at this time.

Seriously - do all that. This is like antibiotics - don't skip a single
step, don't quit because you think things will be okay now - go through
until the end, until you have done everything given in the order given. If
you have a problem with a step come ask and let someone here get you
through that step. If you don't understand how to do a step, come back
and ask here about that step and let someone walk you through it.

Then - when done - let everyone here know if it worked for you - or if
you have more issues.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


From: Stan on 8 Jan 2010 17:48
Here is the first part of the information requested. I am working on the rest
of your work through, but wanted to provide you with this before I start on
that. Thank you so much for this great help.

SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002 Service pack 1

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp2.050301-1526:
Service Pack 1

Gateway 500X, Intel 2.0GHz w/512K Cache Pentium 4 Processor & Motherboard

Internet Explorer
Version 6.0.2800.1106.xpsp2.050301-1526
Cipher Strength: 128bit
Product ID: 55277-OEM-0011903-00105
Update Version SP1

If I run into any problems or when I have success from all of your
suggestions, I will come back and update the post.
--
Stan


"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> Stan wrote:
> > I checked and found one piece of hardware did not have the driver
> > installed and corrected. I also stopped my virus protection prior
> > to the install of SP
> > 3. I still get the same results of windows will not start and must
> > revert back to when it would start. Any other suggestions are
> > appreciated as my search of this forum and the microsoft online
> > help do not have anything matching my situation as I can find.
>
> Time to go through the list....
>
> First - please verify the exact edition, version and architecture of
> Windows XP you have:
>
> Press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the
> "Pause/Break" key. Let go of both. This is equivalent in Windows XP to
> having right-clicked on the "My Computer" icon and chosen "Properties"
> from the menu that appears. When the new window appears - ensure you are
> under the "General" tab. Is there *anything* in there to indicate you
> have a 64-bit version of Windows XP, like the words, "Windows XP
> Professional x64 Edition Version"?
>
> If there is, let everyone here know this and stop the quest - as you have no
> SP3 for your operating system.
>
> If there is not, let everyone here know this and continue the quest.
>
> Next we will get the edition and version information...
>
> Start button --> RUN
> (no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
> --> type in:
> winver
> --> Click OK.
>
> The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
> (Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
> "version" will give you the rest of the story. Post _both_ in response
> to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
> character-for-character copying.
>
> Next question has to do with what type of computer you own and what type
> of processor it has. It's pretty straight forward: Is it an HP branded
> computer and does it have an AMD processor installed?
>
> If the answer to BOTH of those is YES, then you need to prevent a known
> issue with that combination using the following instructions:
> http://h10025.www1.hp.com:80/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&softwareitem=pv-60484-2
>
> If the answer to EITHER of those is NO, then you are generally safe in
> continuing on. But either way - answer back here so everyone can know
> what you are doing/what you have step-by-excruciating-step.
>
> What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
> out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
> the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
> (just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
> pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
> the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
> you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.
>
> Now that we have some base information, let's cleanup and get ready to
> install Windows XP SP3 onto your Windows XP system.
>
> Reboot so you start with a fresh machine. For everything here you will
> need to logon as an user with administrative (installation) priviledges.
>
> Fix your file/registry permissions...
>
> Ignore the title and follow the sub-section under
> "Advanced Troubleshooting" titled,
> "Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
> *will take time
> ** Ignore the last step (6) - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.
>
> You will likely see errors pass by if you watching, even count up. No
> worries *at this time*.
>
> *After* that is done, continue on to the next part where you clean off
> some excess (unnecessary) files. It only removes those you definitely
> do not need, if you follow the directions *as given* and do not deviate.
> So reboot (for each of these steps, it is just best to reboot right
> before - but I will continue to point that out) and logon as an user with
> administrative priviledges.
>
> Download/install the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility":
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301
>
> After installing, do the following:
>
> Start button --> RUN
> (no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
> --> type in:
> "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
> --> Click OK.
> (The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)
>
> It will flash by *quick*, don't expect much out of this step to get
> excited about. But the cleaner your machine is to start with, the
> better your luck will be later (not really luck - more like preparedness,
> but that's not as fun to think about, eh?)
>
> Yeah - you will get tired of rebooting - but let's soldier on and reboot
> again and logon as an user with administrative priviledges.
>
> This time (and this is one of the more time-consuming steps) you will be
> running (one at a time with reboots in-between each) three different
> anti-spyware/anti-malware applications to ensure you come up clean.
>
> Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
> (freeware version):
>
> SuperAntiSpyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> Reboot and logon as administrative user.
>
> Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
> (freeware version):
>
> MalwareBytes
> http://www.malwarebytes.com/
>
> Reboot and logon as administrative user.
>
> Download and run the MSRT manually:
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
>
> You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
> waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
> do/don't find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
> the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
> problem resolved.
>
> Reboot and logon as administrative user.
>
> Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
> ( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=5A58B56F-60B6-4412-95B9-54D056D6F9F4&displaylang=en
>
> Reboot and logon as administrative user.
>
> Download the latest version of the Windows Update agent from here (x86):
> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
> .... and save it to the root of your C:\ drive. After saving it to the
> root of the C:\ drive, do the following:
>
> Close all Internet Explorer windows and other applications.
>
> Start button --> RUN and type in:
> %SystemDrive%\windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE
> --> Click OK.
>
> (If asked, select "Run.) --> Click on NEXT --> Select "I agree" and click on
> NEXT --> When it finishes installing, click on "Finish"...
>
> Reboot and logon as administrative user.
>
> Visit this web page:
>
> How do I reset Windows Update components?
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
>
> .... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
> both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
> for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
> it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
> reboot when it is.
>
> Now for SP3...
>
> Download the full SP3 installation file.
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
> IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4
>
> You are just saving it right now - not running it yet. There will be no
> file size deviation - it is 316.4MB.
>
> You should now perform a full CHKDSK on your system drive (C:)...
>
> How to scan your disks for errors
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
> * will take time and a reboot
>
> You should now perform a full Defragment on your system drive (C:)...
>
> How to Defragment your hard drives
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
> * will take time
>
> Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
>
> Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically disconnect -
> pull the network cable or disable the router/modem.)
>
> Uninstall any and all third-party firewall applications (ZoneAlarm, etc)
> and utilize the built-in WIndows Firewall only.
>
> Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
> install SP3. Usually right-click on the icon in the taskbar gives you
> a choice to do so.
>
> Install SP3 by running the downloaded executable.
>
> Reboot when requested to do so.
>
> Logon and let the machine 'settle' for about 10 minutes.
>
> Reboot.
>
> Give it 5 minutes after logon to 'settle' - reboot.
>
> After that - there will be more updates.
>
> Log on as an user with administrative rights and open Internet Explorer
> and visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select to do a
> CUSTOM scan...
>
> Every time you are about to click on something while at these web pages -
> first press and hold down the CTRL key while you click on it. You can
> release the CTRL key after clicking each time.
>
> Once the scan is done, select just _ONE_ of the high priority updates
> (deselect any others) and install it.
>
> Reboot again.
>
> If it did work - try the web page again - selecting no more than 3-5 at a
> time. Rebooting as needed.
>
> The Optional Software updates are generally safe - although I recommend
> against the "Windows Search" one and any of the "Office Live" ones or
> "Windows Live" ones for now. I would completely avoid the
> Optional Hardware updates. Also - I do not see any urgent need to
> install Internet Explorer 8 at this time.
>
> Seriously - do all that. This is like antibiotics - don't skip a single
> step, don't quit because you think things will be okay now - go through
> until the end, until you have done everything given in the order given. If
> you have a problem with a step come ask and let someone here get you
> through that step. If you don't understand how to do a step, come back
> and ask here about that step and let someone walk you through it.
>
> Then - when done - let everyone here know if it worked for you - or if
> you have more issues.
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
> .
>
From: Stan on 10 Jan 2010 09:51
Here is the latest:

Ran reset the registry and the file permissions with no problems

Ran Windows Installer Cleanup Utility with no problems

Installed and ran Superantispyware. Found 49 cookies and one Trojan in
SystemVolumeInfo\_Restore

Already had Malwarebytes installed and ran it. Found one Rogue Installer -
RegClean.exe

Ran Malwareremove with nothing detected.

Tried to run the latest windows installer but would not run due to requiring
a minimum of SP2.

Ran windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE with no problems

Ran reset Windows Update Components using Microsoft fix it with no problems

Downloaded XP SP3 Network Installation to my D: drive (no problems)

Did a CHKDSK on C: Drive (no problems)

Defraged C: Drive (no problems)

Dis-connected from the internet, stopped all running programs, disabled
virus and firewall protections

Started install of SP3 which ran fine and told me it succesfully installed.
Rebooted

Got the black screen which told me to start up in safe mode. System restore
allowed me to revert back to last restore point just prior to SP3 install.

Question??? Should I try to install SP2 first even though it says that
everything in SP 3 covers SP 2 ??????


--
Stan


"Stan" wrote:

> Here is the first part of the information requested. I am working on the rest
> of your work through, but wanted to provide you with this before I start on
> that. Thank you so much for this great help.
>
> SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Version 2002 Service pack 1
>
> Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp2.050301-1526:
> Service Pack 1
>
> Gateway 500X, Intel 2.0GHz w/512K Cache Pentium 4 Processor & Motherboard
>
> Internet Explorer
> Version 6.0.2800.1106.xpsp2.050301-1526
> Cipher Strength: 128bit
> Product ID: 55277-OEM-0011903-00105
> Update Version SP1
>
> If I run into any problems or when I have success from all of your
> suggestions, I will come back and update the post.
> --
> Stan
>
>
> "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
>
> > Stan wrote:
> > > I checked and found one piece of hardware did not have the driver
> > > installed and corrected. I also stopped my virus protection prior
> > > to the install of SP
> > > 3. I still get the same results of windows will not start and must
> > > revert back to when it would start. Any other suggestions are
> > > appreciated as my search of this forum and the microsoft online
> > > help do not have anything matching my situation as I can find.
> >
> > Time to go through the list....
> >
> > First - please verify the exact edition, version and architecture of
> > Windows XP you have:
> >
> > Press and hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the
> > "Pause/Break" key. Let go of both. This is equivalent in Windows XP to
> > having right-clicked on the "My Computer" icon and chosen "Properties"
> > from the menu that appears. When the new window appears - ensure you are
> > under the "General" tab. Is there *anything* in there to indicate you
> > have a 64-bit version of Windows XP, like the words, "Windows XP
> > Professional x64 Edition Version"?
> >
> > If there is, let everyone here know this and stop the quest - as you have no
> > SP3 for your operating system.
> >
> > If there is not, let everyone here know this and continue the quest.
> >
> > Next we will get the edition and version information...
> >
> > Start button --> RUN
> > (no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
> > --> type in:
> > winver
> > --> Click OK.
> >
> > The picture at the top of the window that opens will give you the general
> > (Operating System name and edition) while the line starting with the word
> > "version" will give you the rest of the story. Post _both_ in response
> > to this message verbatim. No paraphrasing - instead - ensure
> > character-for-character copying.
> >
> > Next question has to do with what type of computer you own and what type
> > of processor it has. It's pretty straight forward: Is it an HP branded
> > computer and does it have an AMD processor installed?
> >
> > If the answer to BOTH of those is YES, then you need to prevent a known
> > issue with that combination using the following instructions:
> > http://h10025.www1.hp.com:80/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&softwareitem=pv-60484-2
> >
> > If the answer to EITHER of those is NO, then you are generally safe in
> > continuing on. But either way - answer back here so everyone can know
> > what you are doing/what you have step-by-excruciating-step.
> >
> > What version of Internet Explorer are you currently using? Easy to find
> > out. Open Internet Explorer and while that is in-focus, press and hold
> > the "ALT" key on your keyboard. With the "ALT" key still pressed, press
> > (just once, no holding) the "H" key. Now, with the "ALT" key still
> > pressed, press (just once, no holding) the "A" key. That will bring up
> > the "About Internet Explorer" window. It will give you the exact version
> > you are using - repeat what you see there in response to this message.
> >
> > Now that we have some base information, let's cleanup and get ready to
> > install Windows XP SP3 onto your Windows XP system.
> >
> > Reboot so you start with a fresh machine. For everything here you will
> > need to logon as an user with administrative (installation) priviledges.
> >
> > Fix your file/registry permissions...
> >
> > Ignore the title and follow the sub-section under
> > "Advanced Troubleshooting" titled,
> > "Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions"
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
> > *will take time
> > ** Ignore the last step (6) - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.
> >
> > You will likely see errors pass by if you watching, even count up. No
> > worries *at this time*.
> >
> > *After* that is done, continue on to the next part where you clean off
> > some excess (unnecessary) files. It only removes those you definitely
> > do not need, if you follow the directions *as given* and do not deviate.
> > So reboot (for each of these steps, it is just best to reboot right
> > before - but I will continue to point that out) and logon as an user with
> > administrative priviledges.
> >
> > Download/install the "Windows Installer CleanUp Utility":
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301
> >
> > After installing, do the following:
> >
> > Start button --> RUN
> > (no "RUN"? Press the "Windows Key" + R on your keyboard)
> > --> type in:
> > "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
> > --> Click OK.
> > (The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)
> >
> > It will flash by *quick*, don't expect much out of this step to get
> > excited about. But the cleaner your machine is to start with, the
> > better your luck will be later (not really luck - more like preparedness,
> > but that's not as fun to think about, eh?)
> >
> > Yeah - you will get tired of rebooting - but let's soldier on and reboot
> > again and logon as an user with administrative priviledges.
> >
> > This time (and this is one of the more time-consuming steps) you will be
> > running (one at a time with reboots in-between each) three different
> > anti-spyware/anti-malware applications to ensure you come up clean.
> >
> > Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
> > (freeware version):
> >
> > SuperAntiSpyware
> > http://www.superantispyware.com/
> >
> > Reboot and logon as administrative user.
> >
> > Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan with the following
> > (freeware version):
> >
> > MalwareBytes
> > http://www.malwarebytes.com/
> >
> > Reboot and logon as administrative user.
> >
> > Download and run the MSRT manually:
> > http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
> >
> > You may find nothing, you may find only cookies, you may think it is a
> > waste of time - but if you do all this and report back here with what you
> > do/don't find as you are doing all of it - you are adding more pieces to
> > the puzzle and the entire picture just may become clearer and your
> > problem resolved.
> >
> > Reboot and logon as administrative user.
> >
> > Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
> > ( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=5A58B56F-60B6-4412-95B9-54D056D6F9F4&displaylang=en
> >
> > Reboot and logon as administrative user.
> >
> > Download the latest version of the Windows Update agent from here (x86):
> > http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
> > .... and save it to the root of your C:\ drive. After saving it to the
> > root of the C:\ drive, do the following:
> >
> > Close all Internet Explorer windows and other applications.
> >
> > Start button --> RUN and type in:
> > %SystemDrive%\windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe /WUFORCE
> > --> Click OK.
> >
> > (If asked, select "Run.) --> Click on NEXT --> Select "I agree" and click on
> > NEXT --> When it finishes installing, click on "Finish"...
> >
> > Reboot and logon as administrative user.
> >
> > Visit this web page:
> >
> > How do I reset Windows Update components?
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058
> >
> > .... and click on the "Microsoft Fix it" icon. When asked, select "RUN",
> > both times. Check the "I agree" box and click on "Next". Check the box
> > for "Run aggressive options (not recommended)" and click "Next". Let
> > it finish up and follow the prompts until it is done. Close/exit and
> > reboot when it is.
> >
> > Now for SP3...
> >
> > Download the full SP3 installation file.
> >
> > Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
> > IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
> > http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4
> >
> > You are just saving it right now - not running it yet. There will be no
> > file size deviation - it is 316.4MB.
> >
> > You should now perform a full CHKDSK on your system drive (C:)...
> >
> > How to scan your disks for errors
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
> > * will take time and a reboot
> >
> > You should now perform a full Defragment on your system drive (C:)...
> >
> > How to Defragment your hard drives
> > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
> > * will take time
> >
> > Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
> >
> > Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically disconnect -
> > pull the network cable or disable the router/modem.)
> >
> > Uninstall any and all third-party firewall applications (ZoneAlarm, etc)
> > and utilize the built-in WIndows Firewall only.
> >
> > Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
> > install SP3. Usually right-click on the icon in the taskbar gives you
> > a choice to do so.
> >
> > Install SP3 by running the downloaded executable.
> >
> > Reboot when requested to do so.
> >
> > Logon and let the machine 'settle' for about 10 minutes.
> >
> > Reboot.
> >
> > Give it 5 minutes after logon to 'settle' - reboot.
> >
> > After that - there will be more updates.
> >
> > Log on as an user with administrative rights and open Internet Explorer
> > and visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select to do a
> > CUSTOM scan...
> >
> > Every time you are about to click on something while at these web pages -
> > first press and hold down the CTRL key while you click on it. You can
> > release the CTRL key after clicking each time.
> >
> > Once the scan is done, select just _ONE_ of the high priority updates
> > (deselect any others) and install it.
> >
> > Reboot again.
> >
> > If it did work - try the web page again - selecting no more than 3-5 at a
> > time. Rebooting as needed.
> >
> > The Optional Software updates are generally safe - although I recommend
> > against the "Windows Search" one and any of the "Office Live" ones or
> > "Windows Live" ones for now. I would completely avoid the
> > Optional Hardware updates. Also - I do not see any urgent need to
> > install Internet Explorer 8 at this time.
> >
> > Seriously - do all that. This is like antibiotics - don't skip a single
> > step, don't quit because you think things will be okay now - go through
> > until the end, until you have done everything given in the order given. If
> > you have a problem with a step come ask and let someone here get you
> > through that step. If you don't understand how to do a step, come back
> > and ask here about that step and let someone walk you through it.
> >
> > Then - when done - let everyone here know if it worked for you - or if
> > you have more issues.
> >
> > --
> > Shenan Stanley
> > MS-MVP
> > --
> > How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> > http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> >
> >
> > .
> >
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