After SP3 uninstall, Start Menu won't load completely

[Craig]

I recently had to uninstall SP3 because of several issues that I couldn't
resolve. Now when I boot up it takes me 2-3 tries to get the Start Menu to
fully load. Sometimes it won't load at all and sometimes it will only
partially load. Short of a Repair Install of XP, what can I do?

 

[JS]

If you can find a Restore Point that was created just before you installed
SP3 use System Restore with that Restore Point.

JS

 

[Kayman]

I recently had to uninstall SP3 because of several issues that I couldn't
resolve. Now when I boot up it takes me 2-3 tries to get the Start Menu to
fully load. Sometimes it won't load at all and sometimes it will only
partially load. Short of a Repair Install of XP, what can I do?

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

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

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.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

 

[Craig]

I wish I could do a Restore, but it's too far down the road for that. This is
a work computer that has a lot of info and updates on it that I cannot afford
to lose. I have considered a Repair Install, but I have heard horror stories
about that, so I am reluctant to go there. Would reinstalling sp3 help?

 

[JS]

First thing I'd do is to backup any important data.
Then use the free MS Phone support mentioned by PA Bear.

Although you did not mention how you installed SP3
(Windows Update or using the download file)
my choice would be to download the file and then use
that file to reinstall SP3.

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

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&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."

Where to download SP3
SP3 file download:
(File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

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

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

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

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

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/

Post Installation Cleanup:
http://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/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

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


JS