How do I repair XP SP2

[Michael Shergold]

Cannot start XP. System seems to be in boot loop and continually executes a restart from within the
first
Windows XP coloured screen. Same thing happens safe mode.
I suspect a virus as AVG had detected one but it was active and could not be quarantined.
Repair fails because it says XP starter disk is at lower level that existing system..
I cannot remove SP2 as I cant get into system to use remove it.
How does one proceed?
thanks
Michael

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Have you got the access to create a slipstreamed SP2 CD? That way you can
perform a 'Repair' install of the version you now have installed:

You will need the SP2 file (266 MBs) from:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en -
or if you have the SP2 CD, copy the xpsp2.exe file that onto your hard
disk/partition.

Then follow the directions in the following article:

http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49

 

[Michael Shergold]

At first sight this seems to involve writing a CD.. Almost more of a problem as I now have a very
slow computer to do this (and send these messages)
Michael

Hi

Have you got the access to create a slipstreamed SP2 CD? That way you can
perform a 'Repair' install of the version you now have installed:

You will need the SP2 file (266 MBs) from:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en -

 

[Will Denny]

Hi Michael

One other option may work. On the same screen as you have access to Safe
Mode, there should be a 'Last Known Good Configuration' option. Try that to
see if you can boot into Windows.

 

[Michael Shergold]

Hi Denny
That was the first thing I tried.
The very first symptom after the virus message was unable to restart windows because of a missing
DLL in, I think,
/i386 directory.
I then tried 'last known good' with the same result..
Using the recovery console I replaced the boot files and did a FIXBOOT now it loops back to Boot
from the WindowsXP startup screen. So I decided to try a repair but that fails in setup with 34
minutes to go (starts at 39)...
Looks like I will have to re-install from scratch and then re-install all the apps software again..
What a way to spend a Saturday..
any other suggestions welcome..
Michael

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

please see if the following article helps:

"Windows XP SP1 Installation Stops Responding with About 34 Minutes
Remaining"
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;815319