SFC - changing install directory

[cyberdyne]

I am continually asked to insert my XP installation CD when trying to use SFC
checker.

I was not given a CD when I purchased my Dell laptop. XP was preloaded on
the system.

I have changed the drive letter of the installation folder via regedit to my
C:\I386 folder, but I am still asked to insert my CD.

Any help appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 03, 2009 10:15:01 AM, and on a whim,
cyberdyne pounded out on the keyboard:

I am continually asked to insert my XP installation CD when trying to use SFC
checker.

I was not given a CD when I purchased my Dell laptop. XP was preloaded on
the system.

I have changed the drive letter of the installation folder via regedit to my
C:\I386 folder, but I am still asked to insert my CD.

Any help appreciated.
Thank you.

Where are you changing the location, here?
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
Sourcepath



Terry R.

 

[John John - MVP]

Make sure that the SourcePath value is C:\ (and not C:\I386). SFC
automatically appends i386 to the SourcePath, if the value is C:\ SFC
will look for the C:\i386 folder, if the value is C:\i386 SFC will look
for C:\i386\i386 and of course it will fail to find another i386 folder
within the existing one.

John

 

[cyberdyne]

Where are you changing the location, here?
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
Sourcepath

Yes Terry.
My value for SourcePath is currently C:\

 

[cyberdyne]

Make sure that the SourcePath value is C:\ (and not C:\I386). SFC
automatically appends i386 to the SourcePath, if the value is C:\ SFC
will look for the C:\i386 folder, if the value is C:\i386 SFC will look
for C:\i386\i386 and of course it will fail to find another i386 folder
within the existing one.

Thanks John, my path is definitely C:\
I've also checked the following locations for a further 'SourcePath' value:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Windows File
Protection
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath

 

[Tim Meddick]

Hi Terry,
Also, look for these other values in your registry and make
sure they are correct:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
ServicePackSourcePath=C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

The same rules apply to these other paths as well, in that they have to stop
one short of the i386 folder in each case. The third value is important if
you have installed any service pack updates since installing from the
original cd. If you have copied the i386 folder from the cd to the root of
the system drive then, I have found that, all three must be correct to avoid
error messages from sfc.exe, asking you to install the cd-rom again.

 

[cyberdyne]

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Windows File
Protection
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath

Editing typo:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Windows File
Protection
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\ServicePackSourcePath

Added:
All relevant values are set to C:\

 

[Tim Meddick]

Sorry, I'm just not quick enough. I see three people have said more or less
what I was saying, too late! Although, no-one has mentioned the middle
value that I quoted in my last post. Again, I suggest you check out this
value also:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\
--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

Hi Terry,
Also, look for these other values in your registry and make
sure they are correct:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
ServicePackSourcePath=C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

The same rules apply to these other paths as well, in that they have to
stop one short of the i386 folder in each case. The third value is
important if you have installed any service pack updates since installing
from the original cd. If you have copied the i386 folder from the cd to
the root of the system drive then, I have found that, all three must be
correct to avoid error messages from sfc.exe, asking you to install the
cd-rom again.
--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

Make sure that the SourcePath value is C:\ (and not C:\I386). SFC
automatically appends i386 to the SourcePath, if the value is C:\ SFC
will look for the C:\i386 folder, if the value is C:\i386 SFC will look
for C:\i386\i386 and of course it will fail to find another i386 folder
within the existing one.

John

 

[cyberdyne]

Thank you Tim, I've just checked all three values you mention and yes,
they're all correct.

 

[Tim Meddick]

What - and it STILL asks for the cd-rom?
--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

Thank you Tim, I've just checked all three values you mention and yes,
they're all correct.

Hi Terry,
Also, look for these other values in your registry and make
sure they are correct:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
ServicePackSourcePath=C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

The same rules apply to these other paths as well, in that they have to
stop
one short of the i386 folder in each case. The third value is important
if
you have installed any service pack updates since installing from the
original cd. If you have copied the i386 folder from the cd to the root
of
the system drive then, I have found that, all three must be correct to
avoid
error messages from sfc.exe, asking you to install the cd-rom again.

 

[cyberdyne]

Yes Tim, I've checked all three and as far as I can see - unless I'm missing
something blindingly obvious - they're all correct. Please see below images
as confirmation.
Thank you

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\
http://g.imagehost.org/0902/Untitled-3_4.jpg

 

[Kelly]

Have you been asked to insert Window XP CD whenever you install a new
software ?
If this is is the case, you may want to automate the process a bit. Assuming
you have enough disk space (meaning at least 600 MB extra), you can copy all
that you have in your Win XP CD's \i386\ directory to your harddisk and
change its pointer in registry.

Assume you copy everything that you have in \i386 directory to say C:\i386
where C: is your hard disk, you can automate this process and avoid being
asked for inserting CD by changing following entry in registry. Open
registry and navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion and look for the key called SourcePath. Change this key's
value to your hard disk path. Thats all.

Source Path

Copy /i386 to your hard drive. Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. In the
right pane, change SourcePath to reflect your settings. Should read X:\i386


Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

In the right pane, double click SourcePath and change it to: C:\

Save, reboot and then try sfc again.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

 

[cyberdyne]

In answer to your first question Kelly, no, this does not happen with any
other software installation, just with S.F.C.

My I386 folder is already in my C:\ (root folder)

Also, as stated earlier, I do not have a Win XP CD. XP was pre-installed on
my Dell laptop.

Further info:
The only significant change to the registry in the last two days is the
installation of Win XP SP3.

Copy /i386 to your hard drive. Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. In the
right pane, change SourcePath to reflect your settings. Should read X:\i386

Really? All other sources tell me this should read X:\ not X:\i386


=============================

Have you been asked to insert Window XP CD whenever you install a new
software ?
If this is is the case, you may want to automate the process a bit. Assuming
you have enough disk space (meaning at least 600 MB extra), you can copy all
that you have in your Win XP CD's \i386\ directory to your harddisk and
change its pointer in registry.

Assume you copy everything that you have in \i386 directory to say C:\i386
where C: is your hard disk, you can automate this process and avoid being
asked for inserting CD by changing following entry in registry. Open
registry and navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion and look for the key called SourcePath. Change this key's
value to your hard disk path. Thats all.

Source Path

Copy /i386 to your hard drive. Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. In the
right pane, change SourcePath to reflect your settings. Should read X:\i386


Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

In the right pane, double click SourcePath and change it to: C:\

Save, reboot and then try sfc again.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

I am continually asked to insert my XP installation CD when trying to use
SFC
checker.

I was not given a CD when I purchased my Dell laptop. XP was preloaded on
the system.

I have changed the drive letter of the installation folder via regedit to
my
C:\I386 folder, but I am still asked to insert my CD.

Any help appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[R. McCarty]

Also modify the key "CDInstall" and set it's value = 0 or it will still
ask for the CD.

Have you been asked to insert Window XP CD whenever you install a new
software ?
If this is is the case, you may want to automate the process a bit.
Assuming you have enough disk space (meaning at least 600 MB extra), you
can copy all that you have in your Win XP CD's \i386\ directory to your
harddisk and change its pointer in registry.

Assume you copy everything that you have in \i386 directory to say C:\i386
where C: is your hard disk, you can automate this process and avoid being
asked for inserting CD by changing following entry in registry. Open
registry and navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion and look for the key called SourcePath. Change this
key's value to your hard disk path. Thats all.

Source Path

Copy /i386 to your hard drive. Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. In the
right pane, change SourcePath to reflect your settings. Should read
X:\i386


Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

In the right pane, double click SourcePath and change it to: C:\

Save, reboot and then try sfc again.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

I am continually asked to insert my XP installation CD when trying to use
SFC
checker.

I was not given a CD when I purchased my Dell laptop. XP was preloaded on
the system.

I have changed the drive letter of the installation folder via regedit to
my
C:\I386 folder, but I am still asked to insert my CD.

Any help appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[cyberdyne]

Thank you R. McCarty, but unfortunately it is already set as 0

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 03, 2009 11:20:49 AM, and on a whim,
Tim Meddick pounded out on the keyboard:

Hi Terry,
Also, look for these other values in your registry and make
sure they are correct:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
ServicePackSourcePath=C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

The same rules apply to these other paths as well, in that they have to stop
one short of the i386 folder in each case. The third value is important if
you have installed any service pack updates since installing from the
original cd. If you have copied the i386 folder from the cd to the root of
the system drive then, I have found that, all three must be correct to avoid
error messages from sfc.exe, asking you to install the cd-rom again.

Hi Tim,

Not the OP, but a couple questions for anyone responding here. I just
checked 3 workstations and none of them have the middle value (Windows
NT).

My SourcePath location was copied from the CD, so the files are
compressed. The ServicePackFiles path is in the Windows folder and is
not compressed. Could the 3rd path be directed to the 1st path without
issue, since the files are compressed, so the folder in Windows could be
removed?


Terry R.

 

[Tim Meddick]

Hi cyberdyne,
I'm afraid not. You should NOT remove the
ServicePackFiles Folder from within Windows - although the files are called
by the same names as ones in the i386 and system32 folders, they are of a
different version number. Windows will detect the difference and sfc.exe
will tell you that the cd-rom is needed because of it. If you would like to
see the information that I have been working from (that worked for me) then
either click on the link below to read or, right-click and choose "Save As"
to download the PDF file:

ftp://edgarcaycehouston.org/pub/Reinstalling%20Windows/scannow-sfc.pdf

--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

The date and time was Friday, April 03, 2009 11:20:49 AM, and on a whim,
Tim Meddick pounded out on the keyboard:

Hi Terry,
Also, look for these other values in your registry and make
sure they are correct:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
SourcePath=C:\

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup]
ServicePackSourcePath=C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

The same rules apply to these other paths as well, in that they have to
stop one short of the i386 folder in each case. The third value is
important if you have installed any service pack updates since installing
from the original cd. If you have copied the i386 folder from the cd to
the root of the system drive then, I have found that, all three must be
correct to avoid error messages from sfc.exe, asking you to install the
cd-rom again.

Hi Tim,

Not the OP, but a couple questions for anyone responding here. I just
checked 3 workstations and none of them have the middle value (Windows
NT).

My SourcePath location was copied from the CD, so the files are
compressed. The ServicePackFiles path is in the Windows folder and is not
compressed. Could the 3rd path be directed to the 1st path without issue,
since the files are compressed, so the folder in Windows could be removed?


Terry R.

 

[Tim Meddick]

HI Kelly,
NO, no, no, have you not been reading all the previous
posts? The path must be one BELOW that of the i386 folder or it won't work
anyway. That is if your the folder you copied the cd-rom i386 folder
contents is C:\i386 the reg value of SourcePath should be C:\ and for the
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 folder the reg value must read
C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles ONLY! See the post in this subject by John
John - MVP (and please note, he is a MVP!).
--

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.

Have you been asked to insert Window XP CD whenever you install a new
software ?
If this is is the case, you may want to automate the process a bit.
Assuming you have enough disk space (meaning at least 600 MB extra), you
can copy all that you have in your Win XP CD's \i386\ directory to your
harddisk and change its pointer in registry.

Assume you copy everything that you have in \i386 directory to say C:\i386
where C: is your hard disk, you can automate this process and avoid being
asked for inserting CD by changing following entry in registry. Open
registry and navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion and look for the key called SourcePath. Change this
key's value to your hard disk path. Thats all.

Source Path

Copy /i386 to your hard drive. Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion. In the
right pane, change SourcePath to reflect your settings. Should read
X:\i386


Go to Start/Run/Regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

In the right pane, double click SourcePath and change it to: C:\

Save, reboot and then try sfc again.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm

I am continually asked to insert my XP installation CD when trying to use
SFC
checker.

I was not given a CD when I purchased my Dell laptop. XP was preloaded on
the system.

I have changed the drive letter of the installation folder via regedit to
my
C:\I386 folder, but I am still asked to insert my CD.

Any help appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[T.E.Ponta]

Go to the Dell website, register your system, if you haven't already, and
request the installation CDs for XP and all your installed drivers.

They're provided gratis, usually by overnight mail.

Buddha

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Friday, April 03, 2009 3:00:49 PM, and on a whim,
Tim Meddick pounded out on the keyboard:

Hi cyberdyne,
I'm afraid not. You should NOT remove the
ServicePackFiles Folder from within Windows - although the files are called
by the same names as ones in the i386 and system32 folders, they are of a
different version number. Windows will detect the difference and sfc.exe
will tell you that the cd-rom is needed because of it. If you would like to
see the information that I have been working from (that worked for me) then
either click on the link below to read or, right-click and choose "Save As"
to download the PDF file:

ftp://edgarcaycehouston.org/pub/Reinstalling%20Windows/scannow-sfc.pdf

Not a biggie, but you replied to cyberdyne and called him me. Now you're
calling me cyberdyne. We're not the same.

My i386 (compressed) folder is SP3. What I was asking is why the
ServicePackFiles folder (uncompressed) is needed if my SourcePath folder
is also SP3 on another drive. If SFC detects a version difference in a
file, it would go to the SourcePath, correct? So the ServicePackFiles
folder seems redundant.


Terry R.