Crash during service pack installation

[Thomas]

Hi

While updating my Win XP Pro with SP1a the computer
suddenly hanged itself in the middle of everything.

I rebooted and hoped the installation would continue, it
didn't :/ The Windows XP splash screen shows up for a
while, then the screen goes blank (as if the desktop is
about to come up) but a few seconds later the computer
reboots. I have tried rebooting many times, same thing
every time. I have also tried starting in all different
safe modes, going back to last known good config etc. But
it is always the same.

I have access to a Win 2000 PC so I hooked up the harddisk
on that PC in hope of being able to continue or redo the
SP1a update on the HD from Win 2000, but I didn't manage
with that either.

Does anyone have any tip or idea on how I could get it up
and running again? I assume the problem is a half
installed SP1a, so that if I could manage to get the whole
thing installed in some way (or uninstalled) it would work
again.

Thanx

Thomas Nilsson

 

[S Vijay [MSFT]]

Hi Thomas,

As the Windows XP does not start properly after the failed installation of
Windows XP SP1a, try restoring the Windows XP to previous configuration by
starting the system restore tool from the command prompt. This you can do
by following the detailed instructions in the KB article given below:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;304449

S.Vijay

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

 

[Thomas]

Hi

Thanx for you tip. However, the computer won't start in
Safe mode with command prompt either. The only way I have
managed to get a command prompt is by going to the
Recovery Console booting from the Windows XP installation
CD. But then it is not possible to run any commands except
those supported by the Recovery Console, it seems. I can
see the restore tool, but not run it.

I also tried to boot from a Windows 98 startup disk that I
had lying around. But then the C: partion (with windows on
it) was not visible, and my D: partition (which contains
data files only) showed up as the C: drive.

So, unfortunately I am still stuck.
Any further tips?

Brgds

Thomas Nilsson

 

[S Vijay [MSFT]]

Hi Thomas,

From your reply, it seems that the problem persists even after following
the steps given in the earlier mail. To troubleshoot the issue further
perform an in-place upgrade of Windows XP. This you can do by following the
instructions in the KB article given below:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=315341

I hope the above method helps you resolve the issue.

S.Vijay

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights