sek0910 said:
Several weeks ago, my computer began to reset randomly with the following
error code: STOP error 0X0000008E
I can't seem to successfully install SP2 (computer keeps rebooting after
desktop appears), and i see in a knowledgebase article (827663) there is a
hotfix available for this issue. Does anyone know where I can find that
particular hotfix?
Thanks
You may have the prescot cpu that requires a BIOS update before installing SP2
http://aumha.org/win5/kbestop.php
0x0000008E: KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
(Click to consult the online MSDN article.)
A kernel mode program generated an exception which the error handler didn’t
catch. These are nearly always hardware compability issues (which sometimes
means a driver issue or a need for a BIOS upgrade).
You can get the hotfix here.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;885626&Product=winxp
Read this before installing SP2
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
Test your cpu for BIOS compatability
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/sb/CS-007623.htm
Intel P4 Prescott, Celeron D, or Extreme Edition processor
Some affected motherboards
Abit IS7-V
Albatron PX865 PE Pro
Aopen AX4SG Max
Aopen EA65
Asus P4P800-E deluxe
Asus Terminator T2-P
Foxconn 865A01-G-6EKRS
Gigabyte GA-8PENXP
(requires BIOS version FF)
Jetway i875P
Shuttle SB61G2
Soyo P4I865P
Motherboards with one of these types of processor may need a BIOS update.
One emergency measure is to either boot into safe mode or disable both L1 and
L2 caches in the BIOS to get the machine to boot, then uninstall Service Pack
2, then wait for an updated BIOS. However, now a better way is known, thanks
to my fellow MVP Cari at
www.coribright.com.
The cause appears to be that the machine's BIOS does not install a
production level microcode update (a correction to a fault in the
microprocessor's own microcode).
To check whether the BlOS is at the correct level download the Intel
Processor Frequency ID utility from
http://support.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/. The microcode
version is identified by this utility as "CPU revision".
Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 4 – must have a microcode update
signature of at least 8. Latest microcode update signature is E.
Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 3 – must have a microcode update
signature of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is B.
Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 2 – must have a microcode update
signature of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is A.
If the revision number is lower than that or zero, boot into Safe Mode by
pressing F8 after the BIOS boot sequence, then selecting Safe Mode from the
menu.
Rename the file:
%windir%\system32\drivers\update.sys
to some other name like updateDISABLED.sys so that it does not load.
Reboot into normal mode. Install Service Pack 2 again, and the computer
should now boot up completely.
Check your motherboard manufacturer's website often for updates to your
BIOS, as this is only a temporary workaround.
After you install a correct BIOS on your machine, rename the update.sys file
back to this original name and test.
If you don't know what cpu or motherboard you have install the home edition
of everest(free) it will id them for you.
http://www.lavalys.com/products.php?lang=en