Continuous reboot on log in after SP3 install

[Chris]

When SP3 appeared as an automatic update on my PC, I happily went about
loading it, having never had a problem with auto updates before. I had no
idea until reading the posts here that a service pack was such a big deal and
a different animal entirely. Really wish there had been more of a disclaimer
so I could have prepared better before installing.

My problem:

SP3 installed without any apparent problems and rebooted afterward. Since
the install, I can't get past the login screen. When I click on my user name
(HP_Administrator), it says "loading personal settings" and I hear the
"shutdown chimes". My workspace screen shows briefly and then the computer
reboots and returns once again to the login screen.

Any suggestions? I don't care about the service pack - I just want my
computer back!!

 

[TaurArian]

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

If required - where to get assistance -
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is valid
until April 14, 2009. For more information about this policy, visit the
Windows XP Support Lifecycle page located at
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223. Chat and e-mail support is
available only in the United States and Canada. For all other Windows XP
issues, visit the Help and Support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173, and then choose
your product.

.. 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-uk&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


--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco

 

[Chris]

Can't follow the steps to remove the service pack if I can't log in to my
computer.
The "Steps to take before you install" the service pack doesn't help me now.
I have the support tel # but was hoping for a quicker turnaround here.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Gerry]

Chris

It would be helpful to see a Stop Error Report.

Disable automatic restart on system failure. This should help by
allowing time to write down the STOP code properly. Right click on
the My Computer icon on the Desktop and select Properties, Advanced,
Start-Up and Recovery, System Failure and uncheck box before
Automatically Restart.

Do not re-enable automatic restart on system failure. Check for variants
of the Stop Error message.

An alternative is to keep pressing the F8 key during Start-Up and select
option - Disable automatic restart on system failure.

Does the computer boot in safe mode?

Have you tried Last Known Good Configuration?
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/en-us

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Chris]

Thank you for replying.

The computer boots in safe mode but encounters the exact same problem when
trying to login - i.e. click on administrator login name, it says "loading
personal settings" and looks like it's going to let me in, then it shuts
down/reboots and I end up at the login screen again.

 

[Gerry]

Chris

In Safe Mode you will have your normal User Account an another named the
Administrator, Are you able to Log in as the Administrator? If yes I can
make further suggestions.


--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[db.·.. >]

you might try booting
with any windows cd
and logging into the
disk system via the
recovery console.

at the disk prompt you
could run the following
commands:

chkdsk
fixboot
bootcfg /rebuild

then exit and remove
the cd.

 

[TaurArian]

There were 4 methods recommended to remove SP3, I would have thought "Method
4: Use Recovery Console" would be appropriate as you can't log in.

As for the other links, these were for when you were ready to try again.

Sorry that all 4 methods were not suitable for you, perhaps someone can
suggest a further method being No. 5.

K
--
--------------------------------
TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2009
Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org