I've this identical problem for a long time (more than a year). And, it
is resulting in some crazy additional stuff at times. I've asked many
people but have not found any solution. I've posted the same problems
on this forum also but still no help. Let me describe again.
Like Denise, my task scheduler does not start. It is configured to
start at the start-up, but it does not. I tried starting it from
component services. It stops with Error 126: The specific module could
not be found.
Since the task scheduler problem, I also have problem with defrag and
chkdsk. I can not run disk defrag. It comes with the message that
defrag can not run on more than one instance. I can not find any other
instance of defrag running anywhere on my comp.
Also, when I tried to install XP SP2 from automatic update, the
download simply does not begin. Once "I accept" the terms, the usual
download window opens and does nothing. After about 5 mins, it stops
with the message "Updates were unable to be successfully installed"
I tried installing it by directly downloading the SP2 exe file. On
completing the download, the files were successfully decompressed. The
install process looked for the config and after about 10-15mins into
the installation it stopped with the message "The specific service
module could not be found" similar to error 126 above.
Looks like all this is connected. Looks like Denise's problem is also
similar. Denise - pls post your reply or commumicate privately if you
find a solution. I will also do the likewise although my hopes are low.
For me, these problems perhaps started with either my installation of an
additional maxtor drive last year or installation of Norton Systemworks
or some other application. I did not face issue with previous XP
updates. I had learnt to live without defrag and scheduler, but looks
like now it is a problem that has to be resolved.
Thanks
Nilesh
