SP3 fiasco

[James Silverton]

Hello All!

This morning, a very large update download took place. It was then
announced that SP3 was to be installed. After a long time a message came
up that the update had failed (no reasons, just that). The removal of
the updates then initiated and, despite some alarming messages about
Windows XP maybe not running properly, the system appears to be working.

Does anyone have an ideas as th why things failed and what is supposed
to happen now?

Thanks in advance.

--


James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

 

[Shenan Stanley]

This morning, a very large update download took place. It was then
announced that SP3 was to be installed. After a long time a message
came up that the update had failed (no reasons, just that). The
removal of the updates then initiated and, despite some alarming
messages about Windows XP maybe not running properly, the system
appears to be working.
Does anyone have an ideas as th why things failed and what is
supposed to happen now?

Get the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 downloaded, prepare your machine for
SP3 installation (clean it up - something isn't right with it) and try the
install using the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 to install SP3 on your
machine. Go thorough this list to do all that and prepare as needed...

I highly suggest you look through this list of things and see if any of them
look like/repair you issues and everyone would likely appreciate you coming
back to provide further feedbak and information on how you get along solving
your problem(s)...

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
.. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

[db.·.. >]

if it did not install correctly,
then don't waste your time
with it by forcing the install,
then discovering you should
have left well enough alone.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

This morning, a very large update download took place. It was then
announced that SP3 was to be installed. After a long time a message
came up that the update had failed (no reasons, just that). The
removal of the updates then initiated and, despite some alarming
messages about Windows XP maybe not running properly, the system
appears to be working.
Does anyone have an ideas as th why things failed and what is
supposed to happen now?

Get the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 downloaded, prepare your
machine for SP3 installation (clean it up - something isn't right
with it) and try the install using the IT or CD (complete copy) of
SP3 to install SP3 on your machine. Go thorough this list to do
all that and prepare as needed...
I highly suggest you look through this list of things and see if
any of them look like/repair you issues and everyone would likely
appreciate you coming back to provide further feedbak and
information on how you get along solving your problem(s)...

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT
Professionals and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3,
you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure
Internet Explorer 7 or a beta version of Internet Explorer 8 is not
installed before installing Windows XP SP3. If you have already
encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3, uninstall
Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP
Media Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition
may malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you
install Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred,
uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then
reinstall Windows XP SP3."
It seems some people are unable to get further updates after
installing SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to
doing a repair installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems
to work for them for that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a
small tool that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it
before installing [WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade
to Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a
non-Intel-processor-based computer (Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to
install SP3... Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>
Archived conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...78cc1818a36/9151e5c3f6c68b86#9151e5c3f6c68b86

if it did not install correctly,
then don't waste your time
with it by forcing the install,
then discovering you should
have left well enough alone.

You can follow db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. .'s (databaseben's) advice and remain
with SP2 forever (or at least until you trash that machine and go to a
different OS) or you can fix the issues that SP3 obviously uncovered and
have a fully updated machine with the OS you have currently chosen to
utilize...

Given that Microsoft is offering free installation support for Windows XP
SP2 through April 2009 *and* at some point (probably soon after that) the
updates released from Microsoft will require SP3 installed in order for you
to receive/utilize them on a Windows XP system - I feel the wise course of
action is to:

- Learn about your computer and learn to solve issues with it...
- Use the free advice you can get here and direct from Microsoft to do so...
- Fix your computer's issues now so you don't have to deal with them
later...

But that's just me... The decision is ultimately yours.

Along that line - I will repeat the advice I gave you elsewhere in this
conversation...

Get the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 downloaded, prepare your machine for
SP3 installation (clean it up - something isn't right with it) and try the
install using the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 to install SP3 on your
machine. Go thorough this list to do all that and prepare as needed...

I highly suggest you look through this list of things and see if any of them
look like/repair you issues and everyone would likely appreciate you coming
back to provide further feedbak and information on how you get along solving
your problem(s)...

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
.. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

[db.·.. >]

not all machines are
sp3 compatible and
there are some makers
who advise avoiding
sp3.

besides, the white paper
on sp3 clearly indicates
there are no advantages
for it.

such advantages that users
seek are obtained by
advancing to vista.

--

db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

<snipped>
Archived conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...78cc1818a36/9151e5c3f6c68b86#9151e5c3f6c68b86

if it did not install correctly,
then don't waste your time
with it by forcing the install,
then discovering you should
have left well enough alone.

You can follow db.·.. ><))) ·>` .. .'s (databaseben's) advice and remain with SP2 forever (or at least until you trash that
machine and go to a different OS) or you can fix the issues that SP3 obviously uncovered and have a fully updated machine with the
OS you have currently chosen to utilize...

Given that Microsoft is offering free installation support for Windows XP SP2 through April 2009 *and* at some point (probably
soon after that) the updates released from Microsoft will require SP3 installed in order for you to receive/utilize them on a
Windows XP system - I feel the wise course of action is to:

- Learn about your computer and learn to solve issues with it...
- Use the free advice you can get here and direct from Microsoft to do so...
- Fix your computer's issues now so you don't have to deal with them later...

But that's just me... The decision is ultimately yours.

Along that line - I will repeat the advice I gave you elsewhere in this conversation...

Get the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 downloaded, prepare your machine for
SP3 installation (clean it up - something isn't right with it) and try the
install using the IT or CD (complete copy) of SP3 to install SP3 on your
machine. Go thorough this list to do all that and prepare as needed...

I highly suggest you look through this list of things and see if any of them
look like/repair you issues and everyone would likely appreciate you coming
back to provide further feedbak and information on how you get along solving
your problem(s)...

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
. http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
. http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>
Archived conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...78cc1818a36/9151e5c3f6c68b86#9151e5c3f6c68b86

not all machines are
sp3 compatible and
there are some makers
who advise avoiding
sp3.

besides, the white paper
on sp3 clearly indicates
there are no advantages
for it.

such advantages that users
seek are obtained by
advancing to vista.

Again - I did not discount your input completely - I left it up to the
original poster.

I do disagree that there is no advantage.

- having the ability in one year or so to continue receiving updates (also
mentioned by me previously) is an advantage to me.
- installing it now instead of waiting until after April 2009 when the free
support for installation issues concerning SP3 is an advantage to me.
- figuring out what is wrong with *my* system given it has an issue
installing a service pack offered to me instead of just accepting it is
broken is an advantage to me.
- Having one update install 1000+ for me at once and reducing what i see in
add/remove programs by 80 or so updates is an advantage to me.

In order to advance to Vista - most users would have to change everything.
Perhaps they cannot afford to to that or simply do not desire to do so. The
choice - just like here - is the end-users. All we can do is make the
suggestions on what to do and give our reasoning as to why.

 

[db.·.. >]

i know shenan.

you're a good mvp
who respects the
opinions of others.

like most things, the
first impression is what
counts and if sp3 did
not install as it was
designed to do, then
there is no point in
forcing it.

many issues continue
to be posted because of
sp3.

i would rather have people
not forciably install it, then
for them to experience an
unusable computer and then
simply refer them to the sp3
team when they ask us for help.

 

[James Silverton]

wrote on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:05:12 -0500:

if it did not install correctly,
then don't waste your time
with it by forcing the install,
then discovering you should
have left well enough alone.

I have not been told anything about SP3 by the maker of my machine, a
locally built box with 512Mb memory on which XP Professional (with SP2)
was installed when it was bought. All previous downloaded updates have
been installed.

I think Microsoft owes me some information! Do you have any idea where I
could contact them with some hope of a response?



--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>
Archived conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...78cc1818a36/9151e5c3f6c68b86#9151e5c3f6c68b86

I have not been told anything about SP3 by the maker of my machine,
a locally built box with 512Mb memory on which XP Professional
(with SP2) was installed when it was bought. All previous
downloaded updates have been installed.

I think Microsoft owes me some information! Do you have any idea
where I could contact them with some hope of a response?

Did you read the other responses to your posting?

The first link I gave you is information on how to get support for the
installation of SP3 onto your Windows XP based computer.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Another two links you *will* want to review before calling/emailing anyone
is these two:

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

 

[smlunatick]

   wrote  on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:05:12 -0500:


I have not been told anything about SP3 by the maker of my machine, a
locally built box with 512Mb memory on which XP Professional (with SP2)
was installed when it was bought. All previous downloaded updates have
been installed.

I think Microsoft owes me some information! Do you have any idea where I
could contact them with some hope of a response?




--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

512MB of RAM seems to be low for most XP experience.

 

[Bill Sharpe]

512MB of RAM seems to be low for most XP experience.

Maybe so, but I've been running XP Pro on my five-year-old Dell laptop
for a couple years with 256 mb.

Only problem is that is takes a few minutes to start up. After that, it
runs just fine. Of course I don't load and run a bunch of programs
simultaneously.

Bill

 

[Unknown]

Is that your opinion or what?

wrote on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:05:12 -0500:


I have not been told anything about SP3 by the maker of my machine, a
locally built box with 512Mb memory on which XP Professional (with SP2)
was installed when it was bought. All previous downloaded updates have
been installed.

I think Microsoft owes me some information! Do you have any idea where I
could contact them with some hope of a response?




--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

512MB of RAM seems to be low for most XP experience.

 

[James Silverton]

Unknown wrote on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:36:57 -0500:

Is that your opinion or what?

512MB of RAM seems to be low for most XP experience.

I started in my first installation of XP Professional with 256MB and
upped it a few years ago to 512. It has not given me any trouble. The
MS installation program for SP3 allegedly checked my machine for
suitable hardware and did not comment. If I don't switch to Ubuntu (and
that's a distinct possibility), I might upgrade to 1024 or 2048MB if I
can buy modules for the ASUS mother board.


James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

 

[Unknown]

My message was for 'smlunatick'. His statement '512Mb seems to be low for
XP' is totally meaningless.