XP SP3 update caused browsers to fail - why?

[aceyou]

I'm still running XP. My PC did an automatic update to load SP3. When I did
it, and after rebooting, none of my browsers would work - I couldn't access
the net. (I'm using IE 7 and Firefox.) I called my ISP tech support and they
concluded my browsers were both corrupted and I needed to get latest IE
installed. Instead, I did a system restore to before the SP3 update, and
everything works fine now.

Questions:

1. Why did this happen?

2. What do I do to prevent it from happening when I try to do the SP3 update
again?

3. Do I need to install IE 8 before the update as my ISP suggested?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I'm still running XP. My PC did an automatic update to load SP3.
When I did it, and after rebooting, none of my browsers would work
- I couldn't access the net. (I'm using IE 7 and Firefox.) I called
my ISP tech support and they concluded my browsers were both
corrupted and I needed to get latest IE installed. Instead, I did a
system restore to before the SP3 update, and everything works fine
now.

Questions:

1. Why did this happen?

2. What do I do to prevent it from happening when I try to do the
SP3 update again?

3. Do I need to install IE 8 before the update as my ISP suggested?

Windows XP Service Pack 3 is not an automated update on a stand-alone
machine. You have to answer questions, approve it. It will download, but
it won't just install AFAIK. In other words - you told it to do it somehow
or this is not a stand-alone machine (all impressions are that it is fully
under your control.)

You should prepare your machine for Windows XP SP3 - it sounds like it
hasn't been properly maintained before this (SP3 is pretty old at this point
as well - so...) I would not install IE8 at all on Windows XP - but that is
just me. IE7 is fine, but to be more direct - whatever IE version you want
to be able to fall back to - be at that level before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you want to be able to fall back to IE6, that should be the level
you are at before you install SP3 for WIndows XP. If you want to be able to
fall back to IE7, that should be the level you are at before you install
SP3. If you want to only ever use IE8 - that should be the level you are at
before you install SP3. Personally - I stay at IE6 or IE7 before installing
SP3 and IE7 after installing SP3.

As for everything else... Let's walk through installing Windows XP SP3 and
properly preparing your PC for it:

First - before anything else - answer this:

Do you have an HP branded computer with an AMD processor?
(If so - answer and wait. If not, answer and continue witht he steps.)

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 - you'll install SP3 shortly, but not now.)

Reboot and ...

Download/install this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installing, do the following:

Start button --> RUN --> type in:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Installer Clean Up\msizap.exe" g!
--> Click OK.
(The quotation marks and percentage signs and spacing should be exact.)

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan (separately) with the
following two applications (freeware versions are the ones to use for this):

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

After performing a full scan with one and then the other and removing
whatever they both find completely, you may uninstall these products,
if you wish.

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

Reboot.

Download/Install the latest Windows Installer (for your OS):
( Windows XP 32-bit : WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe )
http://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/...6F-60B6-4412-95B9-54D056D6F9F4&displaylang=en

Reboot.

and...

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.

Then follow the instructions here:

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

Reboot.

Now for SP3...

1) 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.

2) Ensure (as well as plausible) you have no spyware/malware by doing a full
scan with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes. If you are following
along, you have already done this!

3) CHKDSK
How to scan your disks for errors
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
* will take time

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

5) Ensure your hardware drivers are up to date (from the hardware
manufacturer's respective web pages.) Never get hardware drivers
for hardware that was not created/sold by Microsoft from Microsoft.

6) Reboot right before you try to install SP3.

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

8) 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.

 

[aceyou]

That seems like a pretty complicated procedure! Before I do it, I'd like a
basic question answered, if anyone knows it. I'd like an answer from someone
who can say - "The reason your browsers won't work after the SP3 update is
................. "

Maybe the answer is I'm not a geek, or, your PC is too old, or, that happens
because your registry is corrupted, or something else. Surely someone
somewhere knows what would cause this to happen?


I have a dell pc with a pentium chip. I am running IE 7. It is a stand alone
machine - not on a network with any others. (What does AFAIK mean?)

I have run automatic windows updates ever since I got the pc in 2004.
several months ago it automatically notified me of an SP3 update (i was on
sp2). I let it run, and the same problem happened - my browsers wouldn't
work. So, I just did a system restore and everything was fine.

I continued to do all subsequent updates that were automatically sent to me.
Last week, after a minor windows update popped up, I checked a box to let
microsoft update any previous updates that I had stopped or not installed.
After I did that, it automatically told me that the SP3 update was ready to
be installed. so i did that, and again, after startup my browsers would not
work. I called my ISP and they told me it was a problem with the version of
the browser I had - which didn't make sense to me because Firefox wouldn't
work either.

I'm already running antivirals and antimalware programs, Avira Antivir,
Spyware Doctor, and Counterspy. All 3 of them say my pc is clean. I haven't
heard of the ones you mentioned and I'm not going to install/use any that I
haven't heard of now - last time i did that my PC got infected with crap.

So anyway, to make a long story short, I've regulary done all the updates
Microsoft automatically notifies me of - the only problem has been with the
SP3 update.
Also, what is the downside if I never install SP3? The only reason it was of
concern to me is that I am considering a new digital SLR camera, the software
requirements of which specify Vista or XP SP3, not SP2.

Thanks for your comments!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

That seems like a pretty complicated procedure! Before I do it, I'd like a
basic question answered, if anyone knows it. I'd like an answer from someone
who can say - "The reason your browsers won't work after the SP3 update is
................ "

Maybe the answer is I'm not a geek, or, your PC is too old, or, that happens
because your registry is corrupted, or something else. Surely someone
somewhere knows what would cause this to happen?

I can't tell you for sure, but I can tell you what is very likely the
situation: you installed SP3 onto a computer that already had
problems. Before SP3, those problems were either slight enough that
you didn't notice them, or else you know about them and didn't tell
us.

Installing any kind of an update on a computer with problems is very
likely to exacerbate the problems.

Also, what is the downside if I never install SP3? The only reason it was of
concern to me is that I am considering a new digital SLR camera, the software
requirements of which specify Vista or XP SP3, not SP2.

Despite what their manufacturers may tell you, digital cameras don't
really have any software requirements. When you use one, you record
photographs onto a flash memory card. You can use a USB reader for
your type of flash memory card or you can connect the camera directly
to the computer with a USB cable. Either way is almost identical--the
flash memory appears to your computer as a removable hard drive. You
can access the drive and what's on it, copy it to your hard drive,
etc.

If the camera manufacturer supplies special software, you don't have
to use it.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

That seems like a pretty complicated procedure! Before I do it, I'd
like a basic question answered, if anyone knows it. I'd like an
answer from someone who can say - "The reason your browsers won't
work after the SP3 update is ................ "

Maybe the answer is I'm not a geek, or, your PC is too old, or,
that happens because your registry is corrupted, or something else.
Surely someone somewhere knows what would cause this to happen?

I'd say you installed SP3 onto a system that seemingly had no surface
issues - but they were there - lurking under the surface - and SP3 exposed
those issues. The procedure I gave you would expose and *fix* the majority
of them before you install SP3.

I'd say the stuff I gave you is long - but *far* from complicated. There's
no safe mode, no recovery console, no use of your installation media, etc.
Long - not complicated. ;-)

As for these two:
Spyware Doctor and Counterspy

I'd disable them (if actively scanning) or at least not run them for a while
(if they only do something when you run them) until after you have done what
I ask - and then you might even consider getting rid of them completely.
;-)

 

[aceyou]

Thank you Ken and Stanley. Why would you get rid of Counterspy? I'd keep them
just for their tech support alone.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank you Ken and Stanley.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

That seems like a pretty complicated procedure! Before I do it, I'd
like a basic question answered, if anyone knows it. I'd like an
answer from someone who can say - "The reason your browsers won't
work after the SP3 update is ................ "

Maybe the answer is I'm not a geek, or, your PC is too old, or,
that happens because your registry is corrupted, or something else.
Surely someone somewhere knows what would cause this to happen?

I'd say you installed SP3 onto a system that seemingly had no
surface issues - but they were there - lurking under the surface -
and SP3 exposed those issues. The procedure I gave you would
expose and *fix* the majority of them before you install SP3.

I'd say the stuff I gave you is long - but *far* from complicated.
There's no safe mode, no recovery console, no use of your
installation media, etc. Long - not complicated. ;-)

As for these two:
Spyware Doctor and Counterspy

I'd disable them (if actively scanning) or at least not run them
for a while (if they only do something when you run them) until
after you have done what I ask - and then you might even consider
getting rid of them completely. ;-)

Thank you Ken and Stanley. Why would you get rid of Counterspy? I'd
keep them just for their tech support alone.

You are welcome. I hope it clears up your issues; feel free to ask other
questions if you need to.

I have no active antimalware application other than what my antivirus
software provides (which is more than good enough with only minor computing
commone sense, I have found.) The two I listed are widely considered the
'best of show'. To me - the great technical support is only useful if there
is a problem with the software - if there is no problem - I don't need the
technical support. ;-) I said you might consider it - *you* - I personally
wouldn't have chose it over other options. I have even purchased
MalwareBytes active product for a few people - and they have seemingly had
less issues although I am positive their surfing habits have not changed.
*grin*

As an aside - and your case is unique to me because you thanked two
individuals by name - I've always noticed people have a tendency to call me
by my last name... It has been explained to me in these forums before that
is common in some places. However - you referred to Ken Blake by his first
name (Ken) and me by my last name (Stanley) - even though my signature
clearly shows the order - so my curiosity (that's all it is - I am not
offended, not overly concerned - merely curious) is why you would refer to
me by my last name instead of my first even though you referred to someone
else by their obvious first name?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

As an aside - and your case is unique to me because you thanked two
individuals by name - I've always noticed people have a tendency to call me
by my last name... It has been explained to me in these forums before that
is common in some places. However - you referred to Ken Blake by his first
name (Ken) and me by my last name (Stanley) - even though my signature
clearly shows the order - so my curiosity (that's all it is - I am not
offended, not overly concerned - merely curious) is why you would refer to
me by my last name instead of my first even though you referred to someone
else by their obvious first name?

Completely an aside, like what you wrote above, but I'll point out
that Blake is also a fairly common first name these days (even though
it's not *my* first name).

 

[Bill in Co.]

<snipped>


As an aside - and your case is unique to me because you thanked two
individuals by name - I've always noticed people have a tendency to call
me
by my last name... It has been explained to me in these forums before
that
is common in some places. However - you referred to Ken Blake by his
first
name (Ken) and me by my last name (Stanley) - even though my signature
clearly shows the order - so my curiosity (that's all it is - I am not
offended, not overly concerned - merely curious) is why you would refer to
me by my last name instead of my first even though you referred to someone
else by their obvious first name?

I'll venture a wild guess: perhaps because "Stanley" or "Stan" seems a more
common name in usage, just like "Ken" is. (Just guessing).

 

[Daave]

I would not install IE8 at all on Windows XP - but that is just me.

Why not?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

Entire Conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...nd_support/browse_frm/thread/d85b40bf79a09bad



Shenan Stanley wrote:

I would not install IE8 at all on Windows XP - but that is just me.

<snipped>

Why not?

For a Windows XP system - many that have not had upgrades (hardware) in many
years - it seems to slow things down. Where Windows XP systems with SP3,
IE7 and Office 2003 run fairly well with 512MB memory and whatever single
core or dual core (maybe) processor they might have - throwing things like
Office 2007 and/or IE8 into the mix really can cripple them. It seems to
(in my experience) even affect systems with 1GB of memory - not so much
after that - but it still 'feels' more sluggish to me.

IE8 works great on my Windows Vista (x86 and x64) installs and works
fantastic on my Windows 7 (x86 and x64) installs - but I think it was really
designed around those OSes - not to mention I have at least 2GB of memory
and core2duo or quad core processors in most cases beefing up whatever I
choose to do.

Something else I have noticed - as of late - many web pages look strange in
IE8 and yes - I know you could use 'compatibility mode' (or whatever that
is) and that fixes some things - but I'd rather have the performance and
full functionality without the extra step when it comes to the Windows XP
machines I manage/recommend. I've also had customers give me similar
complaints around IE8 on Windows XP machines - but the same customers are
now/were perfectly happy with IE7 on the same hardware.

As for any 'security' arguments that might begin from this - common sense,
knowledge and continuing education is still the best defense when combined
with the other bare minimums (in case one of the aforementioned three fail
you...) of antivirus, firewall and the occassional scan with an antmalware
application -- IMHO.

As I said, that's just me. No one *has* to take my advice and I will gladly
listen to other opinions on the matter (and, on occassion, change my mind.)
;-P

 

[Leonard Grey]

As you suggested, different configs have different experiences. Speaking
only for myself: My 7-year old Dell PC (P4 2.26GHz, 1GB of RAM) runs IE
8 speedily and reliably on XP Home SP 3, with heavy duty anti-malware
software running in the background.

In addition, different people have different feelings about speedy
performance. Again, speaking only for myself, if IE 8 takes a second or
two from clicking the icon to displaying my home page, I could care
less. I appreciate that for others, nothing less than instantaneous
performance is satisfactory.

 

[Bennett Marco]

<snipped>

Entire Conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...nd_support/browse_frm/thread/d85b40bf79a09bad



Shenan Stanley wrote:

<snipped>


For a Windows XP system - many that have not had upgrades (hardware) in many
years - it seems to slow things down.

Works just fine on my 4-year old Toshiba notebook. But that's got
2gigs of RAM.

Besides, I hardly use it anyway. It would take more than IE8 to tear
me away from Firefox and my add-ons to that.

 

[Daave]

<snipped>

Entire Conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...nd_support/browse_frm/thread/d85b40bf79a09bad



Shenan Stanley wrote:



For a Windows XP system - many that have not had upgrades (hardware)
in many years - it seems to slow things down. Where Windows XP
systems with SP3, IE7 and Office 2003 run fairly well with 512MB
memory and whatever single core or dual core (maybe) processor they
might have - throwing things like Office 2007 and/or IE8 into the mix
really can cripple them. It seems to (in my experience) even affect
systems with 1GB of memory - not so much after that - but it still
'feels' more sluggish to me.
IE8 works great on my Windows Vista (x86 and x64) installs and works
fantastic on my Windows 7 (x86 and x64) installs - but I think it was
really designed around those OSes - not to mention I have at least
2GB of memory and core2duo or quad core processors in most cases
beefing up whatever I choose to do.

Something else I have noticed - as of late - many web pages look
strange in IE8 and yes - I know you could use 'compatibility mode'
(or whatever that is) and that fixes some things - but I'd rather
have the performance and full functionality without the extra step
when it comes to the Windows XP machines I manage/recommend. I've
also had customers give me similar complaints around IE8 on Windows
XP machines - but the same customers are now/were perfectly happy
with IE7 on the same hardware.
As for any 'security' arguments that might begin from this - common
sense, knowledge and continuing education is still the best defense
when combined with the other bare minimums (in case one of the
aforementioned three fail you...) of antivirus, firewall and the
occassional scan with an antmalware application -- IMHO.

As I said, that's just me. No one *has* to take my advice and I will
gladly listen to other opinions on the matter (and, on occassion,
change my mind.) ;-P

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Shenan.