Install problems with sp2 and 2p3

[walkerwj55]

Hi. I had to reformat and reinstall XP Pro. It is a university edition and my
system is an Intel MB with 1gPIII chip. Each time I try to install SP2 the
system hangs on reboot. So, I try SP3 as it is supposed to have all of SP2's
updates, and I get an error message to the effect "a needed component is
missing, service Pack 1". Well, news to me. I thought either SP installed
regardless of an earlier version. I can't even find SP1 to download. Any
thoughts

 

[walkerwj55]

BTW, the SP3 I'm using is the Network Install version I downloaded from the
MS site, since I'm working offline with the subject computer.

 

[Malke]

BTW, the SP3 I'm using is the Network Install version I downloaded from
the MS site, since I'm working offline with the subject computer.

Yes, you must have at least SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to
apply SP2 first and then SP3. Or you could slipstream SP3 into an SP2 XP
install disk borrowed from a friend that matches your version (XP
Home/Pro/MCE retail/OEM). It is my understanding that you can't slipstream
SP3 into XP Gold (no service packs).

Have you disabled your antivirus when installing SP2? I suspect one of your
drivers is causing the hang, but of course there is no way for me to know.
After SP3, there is a file here that can give clues:

%windir%\svcpack.log

Since it's been over 4 years since SP2 came out, I don't remember if that
file exists after SP2 installation attempts but it would be worthwhile to
look and if it is there, see if the last entries hold any clues to what is
causing the issue.

Here are some links to information about troubleshooting SP2. Hopefully they
are still active after all this time. Another thing you might try is to
install SP2 in Safe Mode and go immediately into Safe Mode after your first
reboot.

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist -
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
SP2 links to OEMs - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx
http://aumha.net/index.php?c=16 - Windows XP - Service Pack 2 - FAQs & Best
Practices
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#sp2 - Windows SP2 Information,
Guidelines and Troubleshooting
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm#General
Troubleshooting SP2 for Windows XP - http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm

Malke

 

[Xandros]

You say you had to reformat and reinstall. If you did so to try and correct
computer problems perhaps the problems were hardware related. Bad Ram or a
failing power supply or heat issues can cause untold grief. Can you tell us
about the reason you decided to reinstall XP?

 

[Daave]

It is my understanding that you can't slipstream SP3 into XP Gold
(no service packs).

There is conflicting information. Some insist it can't be done. Others
(in this very newsgroup) have reported success doing this!

According to the page below, the slipstream may be done, however one has
"to enter the product key during the installation procedure rather than
have the option to defer entering it until after installation is
complete."

http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd_final.htm

 

[walkerwj55]

Thank you for the response.

In no particular order:
1. I went through all the docs prior to the install. Nothing mentioned about
the need for previous SPs, and the troubleshooting docs did not have my error
message listed.
2. You threw me with 'slipstreaming' (thought it was a scifi movie or
aeronautical term) but now understand what it is.
3. I guess if the SP2 install had worked I wouldn't have the issue at all. I
looked thorugh the SP2 documents and there were some P4 issues needing a
patch but I have a P3 (tried the patch anyway). I will try the Safe Mode
install method, though.
4. I found the svcpack.log and it had the same error message as on the
screen, that the service pack is lower than that required, being SP1.
5. Since I reformated the HD I haven't got to the point of installing NAV so
that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[walkerwj55]

Thanks, I'll check out the link.

There is conflicting information. Some insist it can't be done. Others
(in this very newsgroup) have reported success doing this!

According to the page below, the slipstream may be done, however one has
"to enter the product key during the installation procedure rather than
have the option to defer entering it until after installation is
complete."

http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd_final.htm

 

[walkerwj55]

The need for the reboot was a total infestation of virus by my kids that I
could not surmount them no matter what I did. They even kept me out of Safe
Mode. So the hardware is fine. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Malke]

There is conflicting information. Some insist it can't be done. Others
(in this very newsgroup) have reported success doing this!

According to the page below, the slipstream may be done, however one has
"to enter the product key during the installation procedure rather than
have the option to defer entering it until after installation is
complete."

http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp3_cd_final.htm

Thanks, Daave.

Malke

 

[Daave]

Thanks, Daave.

You're welcome.

 

[walkerwj55]

Hi, again.

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The computer then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising that Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start Windows normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I determine why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

Thanks.

 

[walkerwj55]

Thanks, Daave.

Malke

 

[Daave]

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to apply SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order to be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now install SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[walkerwj55]

Thanks for the reply.

However, if you reread my previous post I 'was' installing SP2 after having
installed SP1a. I was not attempting to jump directly to SP3 from SP1a. My
issue occurs after installing SP2 during the reboot. I verified the SP1a
version, and after installing SP2, using Safe Mode, the version is "Version
5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158:Service Pack 2)".

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to apply SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order to be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now install SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[Daave]

I understood your post. It sounded like you were not successful with the
SP2 installation. That is why I suggested that you not worry about it
(assuming that SP1 was installed) and simply install SP3.

Did you fix your most recent issue? That is, can you now boot normally
with SP2? If not, I would consider uninstalling it, especially if you
didn't follow Malke's instructions. When you apply a major Service Pack
(like SP2 or SP3 -- I guess SP1 in your case was fine), it's important
to make sure certain programs are not running in the background. So,
once again, if your SP2 install was done incorrectly, I'd just uninstall
it (via Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel) and then install SP3
(using the links I gave you).

A tip: when installing SP3 (or SP2 for that matter), I recommend
configuring a Clean Boot environment first. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Thanks for the reply.

However, if you reread my previous post I 'was' installing SP2 after
having
installed SP1a. I was not attempting to jump directly to SP3 from
SP1a. My
issue occurs after installing SP2 during the reboot. I verified the
SP1a
version, and after installing SP2, using Safe Mode, the version is
"Version
5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158:Service Pack 2)".

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I
determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to apply
SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order to
be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now install
SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[walkerwj55]

Thanks.

I did follow the information for installation. Oh, well. I'll follow your
suggestion and try installing SP3. Failing that, I'll give up on XP Pro and
install an used new XP Home ed. version I have. But I prefer the Pro version.
I'll advise you on how it does.

I understood your post. It sounded like you were not successful with the
SP2 installation. That is why I suggested that you not worry about it
(assuming that SP1 was installed) and simply install SP3.

Did you fix your most recent issue? That is, can you now boot normally
with SP2? If not, I would consider uninstalling it, especially if you
didn't follow Malke's instructions. When you apply a major Service Pack
(like SP2 or SP3 -- I guess SP1 in your case was fine), it's important
to make sure certain programs are not running in the background. So,
once again, if your SP2 install was done incorrectly, I'd just uninstall
it (via Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel) and then install SP3
(using the links I gave you).

A tip: when installing SP3 (or SP2 for that matter), I recommend
configuring a Clean Boot environment first. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Thanks for the reply.

However, if you reread my previous post I 'was' installing SP2 after
having
installed SP1a. I was not attempting to jump directly to SP3 from
SP1a. My
issue occurs after installing SP2 during the reboot. I verified the
SP1a
version, and after installing SP2, using Safe Mode, the version is
"Version
5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158:Service Pack 2)".

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I
determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to apply
SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order to
be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now install
SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[Daave]

Another reason for a failure to update to a higher service pack
successfully is the presence of malware. I bring this up because of your
reply to Xandros.

Also, in your initial post, you mentioned you "had to reformat and
reinstall." Perhaps you didn't do it correctly. Here is a very good
guide on performing a clean install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Now that is assuming you have a proper installation disk. I don't recall
if you ever stated the make and model of the PC and the method for
reinstalling the manufacturer provided.

Finally, since XP Pro and XP Home are very similar, there shouldn't be
any difference in whether or not you succeed with the installation. What
exactly do you mean by "an used new"? Keep in mind that even with a
retail license, it many not be installed on more than one PC at a time.
And OEM licenses are tied to the first PC forever.

Thanks.

I did follow the information for installation. Oh, well. I'll follow
your
suggestion and try installing SP3. Failing that, I'll give up on XP
Pro and
install an used new XP Home ed. version I have. But I prefer the Pro
version.
I'll advise you on how it does.

I understood your post. It sounded like you were not successful with
the
SP2 installation. That is why I suggested that you not worry about it
(assuming that SP1 was installed) and simply install SP3.

Did you fix your most recent issue? That is, can you now boot
normally
with SP2? If not, I would consider uninstalling it, especially if you
didn't follow Malke's instructions. When you apply a major Service
Pack
(like SP2 or SP3 -- I guess SP1 in your case was fine), it's
important
to make sure certain programs are not running in the background. So,
once again, if your SP2 install was done incorrectly, I'd just
uninstall
it (via Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel) and then install SP3
(using the links I gave you).

A tip: when installing SP3 (or SP2 for that matter), I recommend
configuring a Clean Boot environment first. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Thanks for the reply.

However, if you reread my previous post I 'was' installing SP2
after
having
installed SP1a. I was not attempting to jump directly to SP3 from
SP1a. My
issue occurs after installing SP2 during the reboot. I verified the
SP1a
version, and after installing SP2, using Safe Mode, the version is
"Version
5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158:Service Pack 2)".

:

message

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The
computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising
that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start
Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I
determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to
apply
SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order
to
be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install
SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now
install
SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[walkerwj55]

Hi.
I'll try to recap what I have done to this point:

1. Because my kids so thoroughly infected the hard drive I couldn't access
control panel and other necessary systems to effect repair or cleaning. This
included the inability to boot to Safe Mode.

2. I tried a new install of XP Pro using my regular XP Pro CD by installing
to the same drive but doing a full reformat prior to install (no, I did not
delete the partition; I believe a full reformat would be sufficient). However
my CD developed a defect which failed to install one file (shell32.dll) which
killed the entire install process.

3. So I went to my university copy of XP Pro, reformated the drive and
successfully installed what you refer to as XP Gold (no SPs).

4. I installed NAV and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software and ran them on
the other two HDs to clean out all the infestations. I copied nothing to the
new C: drive.

5. After failing to install SP2 and SP3, it was determined here that I
needed to have at least SP1. After failing to find SP1 I was pointed to SP1a
which I found and successfully installed.

6. I recently tried to install SP2 again and the install went fine until the
reboot, where Windows failed to start and I was relegated to the boot option
screen. I booted into Safe Mode where I verified that I now had SP2 on the
system. I had disabled NAV Realtime scanning prior to the SP2 install. Again,
there were no install errors until the failed reboot.

7. I now reverted back to SP1 using a Restore point. I will attempt to
install SP3 using the CD I created with the iso image d/l'd from the
Microsoft website.

8. Regarding XP Home ed., I meant an 'un'used, new, sealed package I
received but never used in preference to XP Pro. My thoughts are if the Gold
version is the culprit then then Home ed. might be the answer.

9. My computer is home grown using an Intel D815EFV motherboard with Intel
onboard graphics chipset, Intel 1GHz PIII processor and updated BIOS and
graphics drivers. The system also has SoundBlaster Pro 5.1 audio card with
updated drivers.

10. Please note that I originally had XP Pro SP2 on this computer as it was
required to run Microsoft Zune and Apple iTunes. However, the computer
originally had WIndows 2000 and was upgraded to XP Pro (Hmmmm...).

Anywho, the SP3 install is underway and I will advise as to the results.
Thanks again.

Another reason for a failure to update to a higher service pack
successfully is the presence of malware. I bring this up because of your
reply to Xandros.

Also, in your initial post, you mentioned you "had to reformat and
reinstall." Perhaps you didn't do it correctly. Here is a very good
guide on performing a clean install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Now that is assuming you have a proper installation disk. I don't recall
if you ever stated the make and model of the PC and the method for
reinstalling the manufacturer provided.

Finally, since XP Pro and XP Home are very similar, there shouldn't be
any difference in whether or not you succeed with the installation. What
exactly do you mean by "an used new"? Keep in mind that even with a
retail license, it many not be installed on more than one PC at a time.
And OEM licenses are tied to the first PC forever.

Thanks.

I did follow the information for installation. Oh, well. I'll follow
your
suggestion and try installing SP3. Failing that, I'll give up on XP
Pro and
install an used new XP Home ed. version I have. But I prefer the Pro
version.
I'll advise you on how it does.

I understood your post. It sounded like you were not successful with
the
SP2 installation. That is why I suggested that you not worry about it
(assuming that SP1 was installed) and simply install SP3.

Did you fix your most recent issue? That is, can you now boot
normally
with SP2? If not, I would consider uninstalling it, especially if you
didn't follow Malke's instructions. When you apply a major Service
Pack
(like SP2 or SP3 -- I guess SP1 in your case was fine), it's
important
to make sure certain programs are not running in the background. So,
once again, if your SP2 install was done incorrectly, I'd just
uninstall
it (via Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel) and then install SP3
(using the links I gave you).

A tip: when installing SP3 (or SP2 for that matter), I recommend
configuring a Clean Boot environment first. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353



Thanks for the reply.

However, if you reread my previous post I 'was' installing SP2
after
having
installed SP1a. I was not attempting to jump directly to SP3 from
SP1a. My
issue occurs after installing SP2 during the reboot. I verified the
SP1a
version, and after installing SP2, using Safe Mode, the version is
"Version
5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158:Service Pack 2)".

:

message

OK, I found SP1a on the Microsoft site. One would think if you
searched for
SP1 it would find SP1a, but not on the Microsoft site!

So I successfully installed SP1a. Now I install SP2 all the wat
through to
the reboot. The computer reboots, but when it gets to the black
Windows
splash screen it only remains for a couple of seconds. The
computer
then
reboots and brings me to the black and white screen advising
that
Windows
didn't start properly and to pick a start method or start
Windows
normally.
Now, from this point I can start in Safe mode. But how do I
determine
why it
won't boot normally with SP2?

You misunderstood Malke. She said, "Yes, you must have *at least*
[emphasis mine] SP1 installed to apply SP3 so you will have to
apply
SP2
first and then SP3."

That doesn't mean you have to install SP1 in order to install SP2!
Basically, if you have XP Gold (i.e., no Service Packs), in order
to
be
up to date with SP3, you have two choices:

1. Install SP2, *then* install SP3.

or

2. Install SP1, *then* install SP3.

If you have successfully installed SP1, then you may now install
SP3.
(Most people would prefer Method 1, but there's nothing wrong with
Method 2.) To make sure you have SP1, do the following:

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

What Service Pack is listed? If you're at SP1, you many now
install
SP3.

Here is everything you need to assure a smooth SP3 installation:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

 

[Daave]

Regarding Point #2, you probably would have saved yourself a lot of
aggravation had you performed a full clean install of XP Pro Gold (which
would have entailed deleting the partition) rather than what sounds like
a parallel install (which as you have experienced can be messy) followed
by upgrading to SP2 (bypassing SP1) and eventually upgrading to SP3.

Regarding Point #4, you should consider not using NAV at all, which can
not only be a resource hog but can also interfere with upgrading to a
higher Service Pack level (as you have experienced). NOD32 has a stellar
reputation and there are a good-quality free antivirus apps available:
AntiVir and Avast.

Regarding Point #5, as has been pointed out earlier, the preferred
method of upgrading is as follows:

Gold -> SP2 -> SP3

Regarding Point #6, disabling NAV's real-time scanning function is
apparently not sufficient. You need to disable it *completely*, best
achieved by configuring a clean boot. Once the Service Packs are
applied, then the clean boot configuration may be undone. (Some have had
success doing the above in Safe Mode instead, but I personally can't
vouch for that method.)

Good luck this time around!

 

[walkerwj55]

The saga continues.

1. I did a clean install by removing my sound card, disconnecting the other
two HDs and floppy drive. I tried to install my new XP Home with SP2 and
after deleting and recreating the partition it would NOT reforat the HD. It
stated the HD might be corrupt.

2. I booted from the XP CD and ran CHKDSK fromthe recovery console. It said
it found no problems. I ran CHKDSK /P and when done said it found some
errors. I then ran the manufacturer's diagnostic CD and both quick and
advanced scans found no issues.

3. I then installed XP Gold, deleting and recreating the one and only
partition on the drive and Gold DID reformat the partition with no problem.
After that I ran the SP2 install and it failed. I read through the
windowsupdate file and there were many fatal errors whereby the installer was
looking for certain versions of files and finding older versions of them.

4. Did all the above, but installed SP1a first. Install was successful. I
then relented and connected to the web and downloaded all the updates prior
to the SP2 install. After all the updates were installed I ran SP2 from the
web. The installation was successful, however as stated previously, again it
would not boot. It got all the way to the black screen with the Windows XP
splash and progress bar, then rebooted back to the startup selection screen.
After Safe Boot I checked the windowsupdate file again and SP2 had no install
errors. After that I was not able to Safe Boot again.

I am at my wits end. Any thoughts?
Thanks.