Auto-update downloaded SP3. Before I agreed to install, I (wisely) backed
up. After the install, I get the error msg:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
<windowsroot>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"

After restoring said file from my backup, I still can't boot. I just get a
black screen. Admittedly, I forgot to try safe mode before just restoring my
entire drive from the backup. (Why not? That's why I did the back up in the
first place.)

MS says the file is not corrupt (which would explain why restoring it didn't
solve the problem) They also say that the file is unchanged in SP3 (which
tells me that redownloading SP3 won't solve anything. They say I need to
install SP3 using safe mode.

Any thoughts on this. If it doesn't install properly, I'd just a soon not
install it. What's going on?

If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.

Your PC must be at least SP1 or SP2 level as SP3 will not
install on XP Gold.

When you said you made a backup I presume it was an Image Backup?
If not, then what software did you use.

Don't have any Image Backup software:
Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/

If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
the most recent version.

Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Where to download the SP3 installation file:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
Pack 3'
Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
or SP2."

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
"For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx

Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

IE 8 Beta Warning - Windows XP Service Pack 3(SP3) users only:
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/200...-8-beta-2.aspx

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
(Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

JS
http://www.pagestart.com


(Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
"operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:EED05F15-431E-4C05-90DF-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Auto-update downloaded SP3. Before I agreed to install, I (wisely) backed
> up. After the install, I get the error msg:
>
> "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
> <windowsroot>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"
>
> After restoring said file from my backup, I still can't boot. I just get
> a
> black screen. Admittedly, I forgot to try safe mode before just restoring
> my
> entire drive from the backup. (Why not? That's why I did the back up in
> the
> first place.)
>
> MS says the file is not corrupt (which would explain why restoring it
> didn't
> solve the problem) They also say that the file is unchanged in SP3 (which
> tells me that redownloading SP3 won't solve anything. They say I need to
> install SP3 using safe mode.
>
> Any thoughts on this. If it doesn't install properly, I'd just a soon not
> install it. What's going on?

I have SP2 at the moment.
I have auto-update download only, and it does not install until I agree to it.
I use Norton Ghost 9.0 for backing up. Works fine.
I did download SP3 from the MS website, and installed in safe mode, but I
still was unable to boot afterwards. This time the missing file was
C:\Windows\System 32\Drivers\ntfs\sys. I could not boot up in normal or safe
modes. So I just restored from my backup AGAIN.

At this point, if it's not going to work as intended, I don't want it. So
I'd like to just get rid of the files that auto-update has downloaded and be
done with it. (I made my back up between when it downloaded the files and
when I actually installed them.)

I've read the links posted belowalready (except the "Clean boot" stuff),
and the only result has been that I continually have to restore my machine
from backup. The free MS help is also a nightmare...

I've seen some posts say the way to delete these files is to empty the
software distributions\downloads folder. But the MS KB says not to delete
it, but rename the folder. What's up with that?

"JS" wrote:

> If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
> file and not use Automatic Updates.
>
> Your PC must be at least SP1 or SP2 level as SP3 will not
> install on XP Gold.
>
> When you said you made a backup I presume it was an Image Backup?
> If not, then what software did you use.
>
> Don't have any Image Backup software:
> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
>
> If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
> the most recent version.
>
> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>
> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
>
> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
> Pack 3'
> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
> or SP2."
>
> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
> "For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us
>
> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx
>
> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us
>
> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
> Also includes troubleshooting information.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>
> Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
> Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
> Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
> version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
> SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
> uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>
> IE 8 Beta Warning - Windows XP Service Pack 3(SP3) users only:
> http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/200...-8-beta-2.aspx
>
> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
> Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
> avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
> this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
> XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>
> XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
> http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
> Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>
> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us
>
> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> JS
> http://www.pagestart.com
>
>
> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
> "operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:EED05F15-431E-4C05-90DF-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Auto-update downloaded SP3. Before I agreed to install, I (wisely) backed
> > up. After the install, I get the error msg:
> >
> > "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt
> > <windowsroot>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"
> >
> > After restoring said file from my backup, I still can't boot. I just get
> > a
> > black screen. Admittedly, I forgot to try safe mode before just restoring
> > my
> > entire drive from the backup. (Why not? That's why I did the back up in
> > the
> > first place.)
> >
> > MS says the file is not corrupt (which would explain why restoring it
> > didn't
> > solve the problem) They also say that the file is unchanged in SP3 (which
> > tells me that redownloading SP3 won't solve anything. They say I need to
> > install SP3 using safe mode.
> >
> > Any thoughts on this. If it doesn't install properly, I'd just a soon not
> > install it. What's going on?
>
>
>

File contained in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder
can be deleted.

As to the renaming question, this is a very specific case:
"When you try to install updates from the Microsoft Windows Update Web site
or the Microsoft Update Web site, you may receive the following error
message:"
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956698

JS

"operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:F4657929-94E1-4FFA-B317-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have SP2 at the moment.
> I have auto-update download only, and it does not install until I agree to
> it.
> I use Norton Ghost 9.0 for backing up. Works fine.
> I did download SP3 from the MS website, and installed in safe mode, but I
> still was unable to boot afterwards. This time the missing file was
> C:\Windows\System 32\Drivers\ntfs\sys. I could not boot up in normal or
> safe
> modes. So I just restored from my backup AGAIN.
>
> At this point, if it's not going to work as intended, I don't want it. So
> I'd like to just get rid of the files that auto-update has downloaded and
> be
> done with it. (I made my back up between when it downloaded the files and
> when I actually installed them.)
>
> I've read the links posted belowalready (except the "Clean boot" stuff),
> and the only result has been that I continually have to restore my machine
> from backup. The free MS help is also a nightmare...
>
> I've seen some posts say the way to delete these files is to empty the
> software distributions\downloads folder. But the MS KB says not to delete
> it, but rename the folder. What's up with that?
>
> "JS" wrote:
>
>> If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
>> file and not use Automatic Updates.
>>
>> Your PC must be at least SP1 or SP2 level as SP3 will not
>> install on XP Gold.
>>
>> When you said you made a backup I presume it was an Image Backup?
>> If not, then what software did you use.
>>
>> Don't have any Image Backup software:
>> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
>> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
>>
>> If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
>> the most recent version.
>>
>> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>>
>> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
>>
>> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
>> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP
>> Service
>> Pack 3'
>> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP
>> SP1
>> or SP2."
>>
>> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
>> "For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed"
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us
>>
>> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx
>>
>> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us
>>
>> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/
>>
>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
>> Also includes troubleshooting information.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>>
>> Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
>> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
>> Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot
>> uninstall
>> Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
>> version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows
>> XP
>> SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP
>> SP3,
>> uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>>
>> IE 8 Beta Warning - Windows XP Service Pack 3(SP3) users only:
>> http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/200...-8-beta-2.aspx
>>
>> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
>> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media
>> Center
>> Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction.
>> To
>> avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
>> this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install
>> Windows
>> XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>>
>> XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
>> http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
>> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>>
>> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
>> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup
>> package
>> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us
>>
>> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
>> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>>
>> JS
>> http://www.pagestart.com
>>
>>
>> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
>> "operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:EED05F15-431E-4C05-90DF-(E-Mail Removed)...
>> > Auto-update downloaded SP3. Before I agreed to install, I (wisely)
>> > backed
>> > up. After the install, I get the error msg:
>> >
>> > "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or
>> > corrupt
>> > <windowsroot>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"
>> >
>> > After restoring said file from my backup, I still can't boot. I just
>> > get
>> > a
>> > black screen. Admittedly, I forgot to try safe mode before just
>> > restoring
>> > my
>> > entire drive from the backup. (Why not? That's why I did the back up
>> > in
>> > the
>> > first place.)
>> >
>> > MS says the file is not corrupt (which would explain why restoring it
>> > didn't
>> > solve the problem) They also say that the file is unchanged in SP3
>> > (which
>> > tells me that redownloading SP3 won't solve anything. They say I need
>> > to
>> > install SP3 using safe mode.
>> >
>> > Any thoughts on this. If it doesn't install properly, I'd just a soon
>> > not
>> > install it. What's going on?
>>
>>
>>

I noticed in the Download folder there are some files that have been in there
quite some time (a year or two). (I read somewhere on this forum that they
get cleared out every 30 days or so.) Is there any way to find out EXACTLY
what/where those SP3 files are so I can delete all of them - nothing more,
nothing less??


> File contained in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder
> can be deleted.

I was referring to this, when I said renaming:

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3
View products that this article applies to.
Article ID : 950718

Method 5: Clear the Software Distribution folder, and then retry the
download operation

Method 5: Clear the Software Distribution folder, and then retry the
download operation
1. Log on to the computer as Administrator or as a user who has
administrative permissions.
2. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc in the Open box, and then click
OK.
3. Right-click Automatic Update, and then click Stop.
4. Click Start, click Run, and then type the following in the Open box:
%windir%\SoftwareDistribution
5. Click OK.
6. Right-click the Download folder, and then click Rename.
7. Type Download.old, and then press ENTER.
8. Exit Windows Explorer.
9. In the Services console, right-click the Automatic Update service, and
then click Start.
10. Close the Services console.
11. Click the following Microsoft Web site to reselect and install Windows
XP SP3:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)

Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0, or other
appropriate forums for review by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

==========================================

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

operaflute wrote:
> I have SP2 at the moment.
> I have auto-update download only, and it does not install until I agree to
> it. I use Norton Ghost 9.0 for backing up. Works fine.
> I did download SP3 from the MS website, and installed in safe mode, but I
> still was unable to boot afterwards. This time the missing file was
> C:\Windows\System 32\Drivers\ntfs\sys. I could not boot up in normal or
> safe modes. So I just restored from my backup AGAIN.
>
> At this point, if it's not going to work as intended, I don't want it. So
> I'd like to just get rid of the files that auto-update has downloaded and
> be
> done with it. (I made my back up between when it downloaded the files and
> when I actually installed them.)
>
> I've read the links posted belowalready (except the "Clean boot" stuff),
> and the only result has been that I continually have to restore my machine
> from backup. The free MS help is also a nightmare...
>
> I've seen some posts say the way to delete these files is to empty the
> software distributions\downloads folder. But the MS KB says not to delete
> it, but rename the folder. What's up with that?
>
> "JS" wrote:
>
>> If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
>> file and not use Automatic Updates.
>>
>> Your PC must be at least SP1 or SP2 level as SP3 will not
>> install on XP Gold.
>>
>> When you said you made a backup I presume it was an Image Backup?
>> If not, then what software did you use.
>>
>> Don't have any Image Backup software:
>> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
>> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
>>
>> If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
>> the most recent version.
>>
>> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>>
>> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
>>
>> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
>> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP
>> Service Pack 3'
>> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP
>> SP1
>> or SP2."
>>
>> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
>> "For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed"
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us
>>
>> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx
>>
>> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us
>>
>> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/
>>
>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
>> Also includes troubleshooting information.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>>
>> Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
>> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
>> Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot
>> uninstall
>> Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
>> version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows
>> XP SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP
>> SP3, uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>>
>> IE 8 Beta Warning - Windows XP Service Pack 3(SP3) users only:
>> http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/200...-8-beta-2.aspx
>>
>> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
>> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media
>> Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may
>> malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install
>> Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP
>> SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>>
>> XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
>> http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
>> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>>
>> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
>> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup
>> package
>> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us
>>
>> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
>> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>>
>> JS
>> http://www.pagestart.com
>>
>>
>> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
>> "operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:EED05F15-431E-4C05-90DF-(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> Auto-update downloaded SP3. Before I agreed to install, I (wisely)
>>> backed
>>> up. After the install, I get the error msg:
>>>
>>> "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or
>>> corrupt
>>> <windowsroot>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"
>>>
>>> After restoring said file from my backup, I still can't boot. I just
>>> get
>>> a
>>> black screen. Admittedly, I forgot to try safe mode before just
>>> restoring
>>> my
>>> entire drive from the backup. (Why not? That's why I did the back up
>>> in
>>> the
>>> first place.)
>>>
>>> MS says the file is not corrupt (which would explain why restoring it
>>> didn't
>>> solve the problem) They also say that the file is unchanged in SP3
>>> (which
>>> tells me that redownloading SP3 won't solve anything. They say I need
>>> to
>>> install SP3 using safe mode.
>>>
>>> Any thoughts on this. If it doesn't install properly, I'd just a soon
>>> not
>>> install it. What's going on?

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack
3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718
Method #5, do steps 1 to 10, skip step #11.
Step #7 in the above article instructs you to rename the download folder.
Rename the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder as follows:
(Example: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.old)
Note: The "Download" folder will be recreated automatically.

Now in that renamed (original) download folder:
You can use two methods to examine and determine
what each of those file contain.

As an example on a small 27KB file named:
3fd8807775936e6681e414dda78243be350045b2
Right click and open the file using Notepad.
On examination of the contents it reveals that this file
is related to "MICROSOFT SILVERLIGHT 1.0" EULA.

Another example file:
34d822e0c61e0d8067f37ec0ed66a15343e1a58f
This 38KB file is the EULA for Windows SP2.
Most files that are about 40KB in size or smaller
are most likely EULA text files.

Now to the folders in the Download directory.
Move your mouse cursor one of these folders and
you should see a pop up that identifies the contents.
Example: A folder named
3e6e0e9ddc668cd7451eda96793424f1
Moving the cursor over this folder and the pop up says
it's 12.4MB in size and is a EXCEL.CAB folder.

You can check each folder for it contents and I would expect
that any folder associated with SP3 would be one of the larger
sized folders.

Since I have not use Automatic Update to install SP3
but on my test PC used the download file.
On the Test PC I did notice a EULA file for SP3 in the download folder.

JS


"operaflute" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:207F7E6F-6CE7-4C48-A1B9-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I noticed in the Download folder there are some files that have been in
>there
> quite some time (a year or two). (I read somewhere on this forum that
> they
> get cleared out every 30 days or so.) Is there any way to find out
> EXACTLY
> what/where those SP3 files are so I can delete all of them - nothing more,
> nothing less??
>
>
>> File contained in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder
>> can be deleted.
>
> I was referring to this, when I said renaming:
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service
> Pack 3
> View products that this article applies to.
> Article ID : 950718
>
> Method 5: Clear the Software Distribution folder, and then retry the
> download operation
>
> Method 5: Clear the Software Distribution folder, and then retry the
> download operation
> 1. Log on to the computer as Administrator or as a user who has
> administrative permissions.
> 2. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc in the Open box, and then
> click
> OK.
> 3. Right-click Automatic Update, and then click Stop.
> 4. Click Start, click Run, and then type the following in the Open box:
> %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
> 5. Click OK.
> 6. Right-click the Download folder, and then click Rename.
> 7. Type Download.old, and then press ENTER.
> 8. Exit Windows Explorer.
> 9. In the Services console, right-click the Automatic Update service, and
> then click Start.
> 10. Close the Services console.
> 11. Click the following Microsoft Web site to reselect and install Windows
> XP SP3:
> http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)
>
>