Windows Xp Pro SP3

[Art]

I am confused
I have ran the SFC(system file checker ) in an attempt to replace some
missing DLL files noted. It says "insert the Windows Xp Pro SP3"?
I have had this computer for over 1.5 years and it didn't come with an XP
Pro disc, only restore disc, which I do not want to use. System Restore does
not help. I have downloaded and installed SP3 and still have missing files.
I have downloaded SP3 and saved to a CD, an attempted to use it with the
file checker but it will not accept it."wrong CD inserted"
Computer is a dual core AMD 2.6 GHZ, 4GB ram, 300GB HD SATA, 250GB HD IDE.
I have no other problems except getting WMP to recognize my drives.. The IDE
burner (DVD-ROM), shows up in My Computer but the DVD-RW DL SATA, does not
,however,I can boot from the SATA Drive.
At this point I am thoroughly confused but refuse to completely restore my
system from the restore disc.. Looking for some expertise..??
Thanks

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

I am confused

I have ran the SFC(system file checker ) in an attempt to replace some
missing DLL files noted. It says "insert the Windows Xp Pro SP3"?
I have had this computer for over 1.5 years and it didn't come with an XP
Pro disc, only restore disc, which I do not want to use. System Restore does
not help. I have downloaded and installed SP3 and still have missing files.
I have downloaded SP3 and saved to a CD, an attempted to use it with the
file checker but it will not accept it."wrong CD inserted"
Computer is a dual core AMD 2.6 GHZ, 4GB ram, 300GB HD SATA, 250GB HD IDE.
I have no other problems except getting WMP to recognize my drives.. The IDE
burner (DVD-ROM), shows up in My Computer but the DVD-RW DL SATA, does not
,however,I can boot from the SATA Drive.
At this point I am thoroughly confused but refuse to completely restore my
system from the restore disc.. Looking for some expertise..??
Thanks

What file(s) is it asking for? You might be able to extract them from
the SP3 installer CAB files.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Jeff]

Sounds like your OS install files are stored in a hidden partition on your
HD. The restore disk gives you access to those files, unfortunately when you
use the restore disk your OS gets reinstalled. If your PC came with SP 1 or
2 and you try to use "SFS /scannow" after you upgrade to SP 3, the OS files
in the hidden partition are no longer valid

Well so how do you solve this problem? ...
1) extract the files from the .cab in the hidden partition

2) slipstream a new OS disk using the OS in the hidden partition and a
downloaded SP 3 .exe . If you originally had SP 1 you will have to
slipstream SP 2 then do the same for SP 3

3) Use add remove to remove SP 3 then the files in the hidden partition will
hopefully be valid.

Jeff

 

[Patrick Keenan]

I am confused
I have ran the SFC(system file checker ) in an attempt to replace some
missing DLL files noted. It says "insert the Windows Xp Pro SP3"?
I have had this computer for over 1.5 years and it didn't come with an XP
Pro disc, only restore disc, which I do not want to use. System Restore
does not help. I have downloaded and installed SP3 and still have missing
files. I have downloaded SP3 and saved to a CD, an attempted to use it
with the file checker but it will not accept it."wrong CD inserted"
Computer is a dual core AMD 2.6 GHZ, 4GB ram, 300GB HD SATA, 250GB HD IDE.
I have no other problems except getting WMP to recognize my drives.. The
IDE burner (DVD-ROM), shows up in My Computer but the DVD-RW DL SATA,
does not ,however,I can boot from the SATA Drive.
At this point I am thoroughly confused but refuse to completely restore my
system from the restore disc.. Looking for some expertise..??
Thanks

To your immediate question, point SFC to the i386 folder. That may help.
Using the SP3 files alone will *not* work. Neither will System Restore.

You can otherwise only use SFC with an actual install CD that has the i386
folder on it, and Restore CDs do not have this.

HTH
-pk

 

[Art]

SFC does not give me a file name (just a needed DLL file is missing).. It
just asks for the WIN XP PRO SP3 disc.
Also when it stops with the "file missing message and asks for the CD, there
is no option to select any other source such as the cab file.

 

[Art]

When SFC stops and says a DLL file is missing, there is no option to select
any other source such as the cab file, only "Retry","more information" or
the "Cancel" buttons are available.?

Going to read up on Slip Streaming!!!!

 

[Art]

Just did a look up on Slip Streaming.. All of the articles I found start off
with "copy your original XP CD into a folder". Don't have one, just a
Restore Disc. I have friends with Original CDs with XP but none have XP Pro.
Is there a chance the XP cabs would work???

 

[Art]

This I will attempt.

Sounds like your OS install files are stored in a hidden partition on your
HD. The restore disk gives you access to those files, unfortunately when
you use the restore disk your OS gets reinstalled. If your PC came with SP
1 or 2 and you try to use "SFS /scannow" after you upgrade to SP 3, the OS
files in the hidden partition are no longer valid

Well so how do you solve this problem? ...
1) extract the files from the .cab in the hidden partition

2) slipstream a new OS disk using the OS in the hidden partition and a
downloaded SP 3 .exe . If you originally had SP 1 you will have to
slipstream SP 2 then do the same for SP 3

3) Use add remove to remove SP 3 then the files in the hidden partition
will hopefully be valid.

Jeff

 

[Art]

After about 48 hours of reading and testing, I have my computer back up and
running, without Restoring from the Restore disk . All data has been saved,
SFC found no missing files. This may be helpful to others..
After locating a friend with XP Professional,and only a Restore disk, I
copied manually the DLLCache, copied them into my computer's DLLCache, Same
with the DriverCache. Then I learned that my AM2 motherboard is obsolete but
there are new drivers for it online. I updated these drivers and now
everything is great again.
When you don't do this for a living, you need a little help..
Thanks