Help removing SP2 manually

[Newsie]

Hi, a few days ago I updated my system to SP2, not a good idea. I couldn't
restart after that, could only go into safe mode. I came in here for advise
and was told to go to the following link to remove it manually.


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875350

I did it as instructed and now I can't get out of safe mode.
ANy other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Guest]

yuo said it!updating to SP2 is not a good idea.if you are using SP1 is much
better than SP2.you can nothing to do with this.burn your important files and
format your computer and install your XP again

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Bad information from you again.
You blanket statement ignores basic facts such as:
Some updates require SP-2.
Some programs require SP-2.
Many need the added security of SP-2.
Etc...

SP-2 installs and works great on most machines particular those kept free of
malware and ready for SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Try System Restore from Safe Mode.
Log in as Administrator.
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.
Select date/time before problems started.
Otherwise perform a Repair Installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

 

[Newsie]

Hi JJ...thanks for the info, sorry if I wasn't clear.

The computer in question had alot of malware etc on it. I did all the
cleaning I could in safe mode. Ran another check and it seemed all the junk
was gone. (virus scans and malware/adware/pup removals).

When I was sure I dumped all the junk, I again installed SP2 and the
computer would not reboot. I restarted in safemode and uninstalled SP2 from
the program files list. I again restarted and it immediatlely went into safe
mode. I haven't been able to get out of there. I followed instructions on
how to uninstall manually and did that, still cannot get out of safe mode.
Also tried to do a system restore from safe mode, there were NO restore
points.
Also did a system repair (booted to the XP disc) still stuck in safe mode.

Its looking like I may have to do a backup of files and reinstall XP.
Trying to avoid that.

Thanks again, and I apologize if I was not clear in my posting.

N

 

[Kerry Brown]

I think I was the one that pointed you to that KB article. I'm sorry if it
made the problem worse. Re-reading the original thread it's likely that
things were already beyond repair but who knows. Doing things in a different
order may have worked.

It sounds like you are right. You may have to backup what you can and start
fresh. If you go this route do you have access to another computer? I
recommend downloading SP2 and burning it to CD so you can install it before
you connect to the Internet. The order would go like this. Physically
disconnect your computer from the Internet. Backup your data. Perform a full
clean install of XP. Install your hardware drivers from the disks that came
with the hardware. Install SP2. Install your anti-virus. Now you can connect
to the Internet, get Windows updates, anti-virus updates, install programs,
etc. Once everything is working then you can restore your data.

 

[RobDee]

Hi, a few days ago I updated my system to SP2, not a good idea. I couldn't
restart after that, could only go into safe mode. I came in here for
advise and was told to go to the following link to remove it manually.


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875350

I did it as instructed and now I can't get out of safe mode.
ANy other suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you

Had a similar situation with a friend's laptop last week. Just about to do a
reinstall when I remembered that the simple act of deleting all files in the
Temp folder (the one in Documents & Settings/your user name/Local Settings/)
had previously fixed a computer that was "stuck in a loop" during a failed
uninstallation of software. Guess what? This worked again. Worth a try at
least.

Rob

 

[Newsie]

Rob - thanks for the tip, I'll try that.

Kerry - the article you directed me to was fine. I was able to uninstall SP2
per instructions, I was just stuck in a safe mode loop. I went to msconfig
and did a 'normal' bootup and that worked, only problem now, some of the
programs won't work, and a ton of dll files were missing. I did a sfc/
scannow and that seemed to help. I'm able to log on the internet, but email
outlook express won't open, theres a missing dll. I'm searching that
newsgroup for a solution.

thanks for all your help.

keep on keepin on
N

 

[Kerry Brown]

I still think you might be better off doing a full re-install. It sounds
like Windows got mixed up to the point where I wouldn't trust it after a
repair. My recommendation would be to backup your data and start again with
a clean install.