Windows Updates Fail After SP3 Update

  • Thread starter Thread starter WJB
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WJB

Hi,

I updated Windows XP Pro to SP3 and now none of the Windows updates (or
upgrade from IE6 to IE7 either) will run successfully. All updates fail
almost immediately. I was actually rebuilding my laptop and after installing
WinXP Pro with SP2, I decided to first upgrade to SP3 prior to installing any
other software. So my question is: How reliable is SP3 and should I bactrack
and rebuild again, but stay with SP2? I have a bunch of other problems since
the SP3 upgrade, one of which is posted in this group as well.

Thanks
 
No, they're not. I had to re-register several DLLs to get the updates to
work, but I ended up with a number of other problems (see Windows XP Themes &
SP3 in this group), and also lost my Standby/Hibernate options. I eventually
uninstalled SP3, got back the XP Style and themes but the repaint problem
stated in that other post is still there and so are the Standby/Hibernate. I
may end up rebuilding the system again!!!
 
No, they're not. I had to re-register several DLLs to get the updates
to work, but I ended up with a number of other problems (see Windows
XP Themes & SP3 in this group), and also lost my Standby/Hibernate
options. I eventually uninstalled SP3, got back the XP Style and
themes but the repaint problem stated in that other post is still
there and so are the Standby/Hibernate. I may end up rebuilding the
system again!!!
Click to expand...

That seems to be a fairly common complaint; I just installed SP3
(finally) yesterday and almost died from holding my breath but it turned
out fine as near as I can tell so far. No problem - yet, and I *think*
I imght be home free. Time will tel.

Can one assume you have read the prepatory KBs at MS to do prior to
installing? Were there any error messages during the install?

Have you checked MS to be sure you don't have one of the brands that
need special workarounds? There are at least 3 but I can't remember
which ones; HP comes to mind.

IMO I think rebuilding is a good idea considering the status of your
machine right now. And, do a Full BACKUP so you won't have to rebuild
again!! Install XP, do a backup; install SP1 or 2, do a backup.
Install SP3, do a backup. It's fairly quick with nothing but the OS and
then you have a way of returning to any of those states again rather
quickly.
Rebuild JUST the OS:

Then you can install SP1 or 2, whichever you have, get the machine
going, and go right for SP3* before you reload any applications or even
connect to the 'net.
If you must connect to the 'net to do it, the be certain your AV etc.
is ALL installed and updated before you do anything else. Then go for
SP3.

Something I've noticed around here is that a lot of people aren't
Restarting their machines between steps. They'll install SP2 and then
SP3 for instance without having done a restart in between. Twice I've
gone to their homes and cleaned up the machines, then made sure I did
plenty of Restarts and in those two cases the install succeeded.


* Also, much as I hate booting XP, I do THREE Restarts in a row so it
can sort out its registry order and get everything into shape. By the
3rd Restart I'm almost always back to the original length of time the
boot originally took. Then for good measure I do a Cold Boot (boot from
a powered-down/up state) . My first SP3 install a few months ago
failed. This time, I did the Restarts described and it worked. Might
be coincidence, but ... my feeling is not, since 3 times in a row it's
worked for me. Going to do my laptop tonite; it also failed to install
SP3 a few months ago. I'm hopeful.
Make SP installs the FIRST thing you do after a bootup. Always
REstart before the install.

Regards,

Twayne
 
Yes, thanks, in as much as the updates are going through. I did rebuild again
and actually followed many of tips Twayne suggested and the Updates and the
Style issues are resolved. I think many of the other issues may be
specifically Dell-dependent. I need to research that more. Thanks to all who
helped.
 
Thanks, Twayne. Actually, I did rebuild and implemented several of the tips
you suggested, and I may have to rebuild again, and if so I''' follow them
all. The only potential addition is that I will do a more exhaustive search
for updated Dell drivers between the SP1/SP2 and SP3 installation. Additional
tips I have used are to install SP3 in Safe Mode, and do that prior to
installing my AV/Firewall software.

P.S. Do you know of any good software that can transfer my installed apps
from the old drive (if I connect is as an external drive) to my new drive
after it is rebuilt and SP3 installed?

Thanks for your help and the many tips.
 
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