SP2 Installation hangs and leave system unstable

[Fred]

I have tried to install SP2 3 times. It always hangs
showing message box title "Win XP SP2 setup Wizzard" with
message: "Finishing installation" and frame: "Details"
has a message "Running processes after install."

My system is now unstable. I cannot initiate a restart or
shut-down (I have to hit the power button). I cannot run
uninstall from control pannel because it does not have
the SP2 in the program list.

Any suggestions other than a complete rebuild?

 

[Lael 7621]

Any suggestions other than a complete rebuild?

Fred!,

Don't feel bad...yours is one of the 40% of installations of SP2 that fail
TOTALLY, according to published data of firms doing so.

And, YES, there is no recovery except a complete reinstall followed by SP2.

If you can afford to wait, (like if you have a Mac, or a Linux setup) you might
want to put it off until the JPEG Decoder Exploit is patched by Microsoft.

I acquired a Mac, which has been running continuously in excess of 32 DAYS.

But, I am trying to decide whether to reinstall XP, Strictly for OFFLINE work
like File Extension conversions, or whether to use a Full Licensed Win 98 SE
install I acquired pre Y2K.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do...I mean that sincerely.

I agonized for over a year before I bought the iMac...started in 1985 and
ALWAYS owned Wintel machines exclusively.

Switching away from Microsoft was like a "death in the family".

 

[Rock]

I have tried to install SP2 3 times. It always hangs
showing message box title "Win XP SP2 setup Wizzard" with
message: "Finishing installation" and frame: "Details"
has a message "Running processes after install."

My system is now unstable. I cannot initiate a restart or
shut-down (I have to hit the power button). I cannot run
uninstall from control pannel because it does not have
the SP2 in the program list.

Any suggestions other than a complete rebuild?

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if
the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfully
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875355

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875350

 

[Guest]

Hey Fred,

I had the same issue with the install. Nothing would install, or update.
Programs hung, and I couldn't even open the control panel. The BITTS
download must be loaded first, if you haven't seen that fix, you can find it
at http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=883357. Once you save this and update
it, (be patient) take the next step. After hot fix 883357, go to the update
site, and save the SP2 to a different location other than the default, don't
open it online. I created a folder under Documents and Settings called
"SPELL" which stood for Service pack hell. After the download saved, I
rebooted and turn off any programs that were running in my systems icon tray,
and turned off any services not needed in the device manager. Low and behold
2 days later, it worked.

Good Luck

 

[luminos]

Fred!,

Don't feel bad...yours is one of the 40% of installations of SP2 that fail
TOTALLY, according to published data of firms doing so.

Document.