Repair problem

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Hello,

Posted this on Setup Deployment but no responses yet, so I am posting it
here as well.
Computer: Dell XPS 410, Windows XP Pro, Raid 0 500 GB (Two 250 GB disks) as
it came from Dell.
I installed SP3 and after that the computer would not boot, stopped at
Mup.sys.
I did a lot of Googling and found that others had had the same problem but
no one had found s solution other than fromat and reinstall.
Spent hours on the phone with Dell tech support, not helpful.
Finally decided to reinstall using the repair mode, appeared to work but now
the computer boots up, flashes a blue screen and restarts.
At one point I got a message saying to hit F6 if I neede to install RAID
drivers, but since I was just replacing the Windows files and the file
system was working I did not think that was needed.
Also one point later during Windows setup I was asked for the Iastore.sys
file, which is the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, but again since the
installation had worked fine so far I skipped it.
Again, I spent hours talking to Dell tech support without getting anywhere.
I have decided to start from scratch and I have the RAID drivers on a
floppy, but I was hoping so save some of my data files.
I tried using the Recovery Console, booting from the Windows CD, and trying
to copy the files to a memory stick.
I can see the stick and work with it, but unfortunately, the only copy
function available is Copy which will only copy one file.
I had the idea that I could use the XCOPY, which is in the C:\I386 folder
but when I try to access it I get an error message saying "Access denied".

If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate hearing from you.

Ragnar

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf (MVP)]

Posted this on Setup Deployment but no responses yet, so I am posting it

here as well.
Computer: Dell XPS 410, Windows XP Pro, Raid 0 500 GB (Two 250 GB disks) as
it came from Dell.
I installed SP3 and after that the computer would not boot, stopped at
Mup.sys.
I did a lot of Googling and found that others had had the same problem but
no one had found s solution other than fromat and reinstall.
Spent hours on the phone with Dell tech support, not helpful.
Finally decided to reinstall using the repair mode, appeared to work but now
the computer boots up, flashes a blue screen and restarts.
At one point I got a message saying to hit F6 if I neede to install RAID
drivers, but since I was just replacing the Windows files and the file
system was working I did not think that was needed.
Also one point later during Windows setup I was asked for the Iastore.sys
file, which is the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, but again since the
installation had worked fine so far I skipped it.
Again, I spent hours talking to Dell tech support without getting anywhere.
I have decided to start from scratch and I have the RAID drivers on a
floppy, but I was hoping so save some of my data files.
I tried using the Recovery Console, booting from the Windows CD, and trying
to copy the files to a memory stick.
I can see the stick and work with it, but unfortunately, the only copy
function available is Copy which will only copy one file.
I had the idea that I could use the XCOPY, which is in the C:\I386 folder
but when I try to access it I get an error message saying "Access denied".

If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate hearing from you.

Ragnar

If you can, go grab the Intel Chipset Software Installation utility
from Intel's site, boot into Safe Mode, and try installing it.

- Thee Chicago Wolf (MVP)

 

[Daave]

Hello,

Posted this on Setup Deployment but no responses yet, so I am posting
it
here as well.
Computer: Dell XPS 410, Windows XP Pro, Raid 0 500 GB (Two 250 GB
disks) as
it came from Dell.
I installed SP3 and after that the computer would not boot, stopped at
Mup.sys.
I did a lot of Googling and found that others had had the same problem
but
no one had found s solution other than fromat and reinstall.
Spent hours on the phone with Dell tech support, not helpful.
Finally decided to reinstall using the repair mode, appeared to work
but now
the computer boots up, flashes a blue screen and restarts.
At one point I got a message saying to hit F6 if I neede to install
RAID
drivers, but since I was just replacing the Windows files and the file
system was working I did not think that was needed.
Also one point later during Windows setup I was asked for the
Iastore.sys
file, which is the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, but again since the
installation had worked fine so far I skipped it.
Again, I spent hours talking to Dell tech support without getting
anywhere.
I have decided to start from scratch and I have the RAID drivers on a
floppy, but I was hoping so save some of my data files.
I tried using the Recovery Console, booting from the Windows CD, and
trying
to copy the files to a memory stick.
I can see the stick and work with it, but unfortunately, the only copy
function available is Copy which will only copy one file.
I had the idea that I could use the XCOPY, which is in the C:\I386
folder
but when I try to access it I get an error message saying "Access
denied".

If I understand correctly, you are saying this happened immediately
after you installed SP3, correct?

If so, keep in mind that Microsoft is still offering free support for
these issues through April 14. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

What I would do is attempt a manual System Restore. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

If your PC is eventually able to boot but still has SP3, you should then
uninstall it via Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs.

When you are ready to reinstall SP3, post back so that we can guide you
through the upgrade without any problems!

 

[Randem]

Can you boot into Safe Mode? If so you can attempt to set Boot Logging on to
get a log file of the devices that have loaded after Mup.sys. Mup.sys is not
the problem.

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Thank you Daave,

If I understand correctly, you are saying this happened immediately
after you installed SP3, correct?

That is correct, the problem appeared as the computer was booting up after
the update.

If so, keep in mind that Microsoft is still offering free support for
these issues through April 14. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Well. since I have reinstalled Windows I am not sure they would help, it
says this offer is only for SP3.
The setp CD is SP2. Besides, I was on the phone with MS for help but we
didn't get anywhere. They also claimed this was a Dell problem. Of course
Dell pointed the finger back at MS. I guess it is a question of whether
Dell's hardware or drivers has some kind of Windows compatability problem.

What I would do is attempt a manual System Restore. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

It says not to use that procedure if Windows is an OEM installation. Even
though I have reinstalled I guess it is still considered OEM, since Dell
supplied the Windows CD. They claim that I may not be able to log in again.

"Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your
computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM
installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist
previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this article, you
may not be able to log back into the recovery console to restore the
original registry hives."

On the other hand, I am pretty much set to format and reinstall anyway, so
what is there to loose.
I would just like to copy my data files first.

Ragnar

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Thank you,

Can you boot into Safe Mode? If so you can attempt to set Boot Logging on to
get a log file of the devices that have loaded after Mup.sys. Mup.sys is not
the problem.

No, the beavior is the same no matter what boot choice I make.

And I realize that Mup.sys is a red herring.

Ragnar

 

[Randem]

What does the boot log show?

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Randem]

Did you install SP3 with Anti-Virus software and other software loaded? If
so that is a no-no and sometimes it will bite the user.

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Did you install SP3 with Anti-Virus software and other software loaded? If
so that is a no-no and sometimes it will bite the user.

It is possible that McAfee was loaded. I don't know how it was set up, it
came with the computer.

Ragnar

 

[Daave]

Thank you Daave,

That is correct, the problem appeared as the computer was booting up
after
the update.

Before one applies the SP3 Service Pack, there are a few steps that need
to be taken to ensure an uneventful upgrade. For instance, configuring a
clean boot or even choosing to use Safe Mode can be very beneficial as
this ensures that there will not be any programs running in the
background (like certain security programs) that could interfere with
the upgrade. Also, using a standalone installer is often better than
relying on Automatic Updates. When you are ready once more to install
SP3, post back first so we may guide you.

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Well. since I have reinstalled Windows I am not sure they would help,
it
says this offer is only for SP3.

But you said in your other post:

I installed SP3 and after that the computer would not boot

That tells me this *is* an SP3 issue. Or have you *just* reintalled
Windows? That being said, you can probably solve this one on your own.
We'll help out along the way.

The setp CD is SP2. Besides, I was on the phone with MS for help but
we
didn't get anywhere.

Do you mean you were *once* on the phone with MS with unsatisfactory
results or that you were *recently* on the phone with them for this
particular problem?

They also claimed this was a Dell problem. Of course
Dell pointed the finger back at MS.

I hate when that happens!

I guess it is a question of whether
Dell's hardware or drivers has some kind of Windows compatability
problem.

When this sort of thing happens *and* the OEM is to blame, it is because
of the problem mentioned here:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

But as you can see, it's usually an HP computer. If you have an actual
installation disk, your problem is entirely different since there is no
image issue.

Chances are there was some program running that screwed up the install.
Certain antivirus programs have been known to do this.

It says not to use that procedure if Windows is an OEM installation.
Even
though I have reinstalled I guess it is still considered OEM, since
Dell
supplied the Windows CD. They claim that I may not be able to log in
again.

"Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if
your
computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM
installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist
previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this
article, you
may not be able to log back into the recovery console to restore the
original registry hives."

You are right to be concerned. But, for what it's worth, Dells don't
seem to be affected:

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/18573692/18696678.aspx

Just make sure you copy all your valuable data off the drive if you
haven't done so already, which is always good practice anyway. My
preferred method is to use a live rescue CD like Bart PE, UBCD4Win, or
Knoppix.

On the other hand, I am pretty much set to format and reinstall
anyway, so
what is there to loose.

Definitely try the other method first. And if it doesn't work, you are
right; you have nothing to lose.

I would just like to copy my data files first.

A wise thing to do.

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

What does the boot log show?

It flashes by pretty fast, and then the computer reboots, but after it
loaded Mup.sys it loaded Gernuwa.sys.
Gernuwa.sys is supposedly a Symantec file associated with PCAnyWhere, an
AWUNREG driver.
I had PCAnyWhere installed.

Ragnar

 

[Daave]

It is possible that McAfee was loaded. I don't know how it was set up,
it
came with the computer.

Bingo! McAfee is one of the usual culprits in this situation.

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Thanks Daave,

Before one applies the SP3 Service Pack, there are a few steps that need
to be taken to ensure an uneventful upgrade. For instance, configuring a
clean boot or even choosing to use Safe Mode can be very beneficial as
this ensures that there will not be any programs running in the
background (like certain security programs) that could interfere with
the upgrade. Also, using a standalone installer is often better than
relying on Automatic Updates. When you are ready once more to install
SP3, post back first so we may guide you.

I doubt if I want to try SP3 again, is there a really good reason to?

Just make sure you copy all your valuable data off the drive if you
haven't done so already, which is always good practice anyway. My
preferred method is to use a live rescue CD like Bart PE, UBCD4Win, or
Knoppix.

These sound just like what I am looking for. I am finding out that Win XP
Recovery Console is seriously limited, particularly as far as copying is
concerned. COPY jus copies on file. I could write a batch file but I hate
batch files.
I even tried copying XCOPY to a memory stick, but when I tried running it I
got the message that it was not executable.

Do you know if these rescue CD's support Intel RAID disks? I saw something
about Iastor.sys in the FAQs for Bart PE, but it wasn't clear to me how to
handle that message.

Ragnar

 

[Daave]

Thanks Daave,

I doubt if I want to try SP3 again, is there a really good reason to?

If you want to make sure that you have the latest security patches, you
will eventually need to install it. For the time being, Microsoft is
still supporting SP2 (that is, issuing security patches for it) until
2010. However, Microsoft is currently offering *free* support to those
who need help installing SP3. But I believe that support ends in April.

These sound just like what I am looking for. I am finding out that Win
XP
Recovery Console is seriously limited, particularly as far as copying
is
concerned. COPY jus copies on file. I could write a batch file but I
hate
batch files.
I even tried copying XCOPY to a memory stick, but when I tried running
it I
got the message that it was not executable.

Do you know if these rescue CD's support Intel RAID disks? I saw
something
about Iastor.sys in the FAQs for Bart PE, but it wasn't clear to me
how to
handle that message.

I don't have any RAID disks, but this link might help:

http://www.driverpacks.net/DriverPacks/devices.php?pag=m

 

[Randem]

Then that is not the boot log... The boot log is a file usually in the root
folder by the name of ntbtlog.txt or something like that. Boot from a Bart
PE cd or something like that to copy the file off the drive or to look at
it.

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Thank you,

I am getting a UBCD4Win, but I have decided to reinstall from scratch, so I
just need to back up some data files.
The system is 2.5 years old and has too much crap on it that slows it down.
A clean install is easier than to try to get rid of what I don't want any
more.
Just out of curiosity I might look at the boot log though.

Ragnar

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

Thansk Daave, >

I don't have any RAID disks, but this link might help:

http://www.driverpacks.net/DriverPacks/devices.php?pag=m

I just found that table, now I got to find out which RAID controller I have.

Ragnar