Please help! I have patch file issues (Windows XP)

[Guest]

Initially my email (Office Standard edition 2003) wasn't working so I tried
to do a system restore which I've since realised causes problems with patch
files. Now whatever I try, I get a windows installer window telling me I've
got a patch file missing. I downloded Service pack1 from Microsoft.com that
contains some patch files but when I try to install it, it fails to install.
Now I can't access any Office applications and Explorer keeps crashing. I've
tried to uninstall Office and reinstall it but I can't get past the missing
patch file issue. How do I get the patch file '511735.MAINSP1op.msp' and
install it successfully?

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

Try this, return to System Restore, Start\All Programs\Accessories\System
Tools\System Restore and use the undo last System Restore feature.

 

[Guest]

I've already done another system restore further back. Can I undo two?

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

You can only undo the last system restore.

Try the following and note, if you have to use the Repair Install option,
you will need to reinstall any updates that were installed on your system
after the original installation of XP.

First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.

Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com

The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:

Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Michael, I really appreciate your help. At the moment I am unable to
carry out your instructions as my laptop came with XP installed and I can't
find the CD yet. Hopeully ther's a way to fix it without a CD, if not, it's
going to be quite expensive!
Thanks again anyway.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

If your system didn't come with a CD, you won't have the repair install
option. However, the system builder was required to give you some means of
recovery. while this usually means a wipe of the drive and reinstall, it
can get you up and running again.

This is usually accomplished through some hidden recovery partition, you
will need to check the system's documentation for recovery instructions.

Sometimes sfc /scannow can be pointed to the i386 folder under Windows or it
will automatically find your system's installation files so it's worth
trying that command to see if it will work.

Also, given that this may require you to wipe your drive and start over, I
strongly suggest you back up your data which is something you should have
been doing anyway.

Obviously, a retail XP CD can be enormously useful and while there are no
guarantees it will resolve this issue it is another line of defense for the
user and as you can see, offers you many more options than you have at the
moment.

 

[Guest]

I've actually found the CD. It's an HP/Compaq version of Windows XP as my
laptop is the HP Pavilion ze5600.
When I put it in the CD drive it wouldn't allow me to change my current
version of XP because it is newer than the version on the CD. I didn't go any
further in case I did something else to get me further in the crap! Is there
a way of using this CD to repair the current version?
I keep getting prompts for '511735.MAINSP1op.msp', which I think is a patch
file contained in a service pack and Explorer keeps throwing up an error when
I try to search for it. Until I can get that patch file installed I fear this
is going nowhere.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP\)]

Response in-line below.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

I've actually found the CD. It's an HP/Compaq version of Windows XP as my
laptop is the HP Pavilion ze5600.
When I put it in the CD drive it wouldn't allow me to change my current
version of XP because it is newer than the version on the CD.

If you have installed SP1 or SP2 and your original version is older than
either of those, then you need to remove them before you use that disk.
NOTE: SP2 includes SP1 so if you remove that, you remove SP1 as well.
Either one, which ever is installed, should appear in the Add/Remove
Programs list as Windows XP Service Pack 1 or 2.

I didn't go any

further in case I did something else to get me further in the crap! Is
there
a way of using this CD to repair the current version?

If the CD is the same as a full retail version of XP, then it can do a
repair install. The only way you'll know for sure is by trying the steps I
provided. If it doesn't follow those steps, it won't continue or it will
give you some sort of error.

I keep getting prompts for '511735.MAINSP1op.msp', which I think is a
patch
file contained in a service pack and Explorer keeps throwing up an error
when
I try to search for it. Until I can get that patch file installed I fear
this
is going nowhere.

My guess is, the error is related to your having SP1 installed and it not
finding SP1 on your install CD, hence, as I state above, you must first
remove SP1 through Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel before trying the
repair isntall.