XP SP2 Install Hangs

[Dave Fischer]

I've looked all around for anything on this. XP SP2 install hangs at
the point where the registry is being backed up. I've done a virus
scan, turned virus checking off, made sure bios is up to date, done a
registry repair (using Registry mechanic), etc. I've uninstalled the
SP2 stuff 2X now that gets installed prior to the hang. I've searched
on MS and IBM support. Any ideas? Install log seems to show it hanging
on something to do with the PCI system -- PCDoctor tests PCI as good.

System is an IBM NetVista running XP-Pro. Running fine other than no SP2.

 

[Guest]

Try giving the 3rd party software the deep-six......PC doctor-registry mech.
SP2 should be/have been installed before those,or at least uninstall
them,most
software wont run in SP2 as it did in SP1.The BIOS has nothing to do with it.

 

[Dave Fischer]

IBM put all this stuff on the machine right out of the box. SP1 and all
the SP1 hot-fixes were installed.

So, basically, you are advising that I remove PC-Doctor, Registry
Mechanic, etc. before the SP2 install? I don't understand how these
could cause a hang-up, since they are not running when SP2 is installing.

Looking over svcpack.log seems to show a consistent problem (where the
logging stops), at this point:

597.890: Enumerating Devices of System, GUID
{4D36E97D-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
597.953: Starting Backup For PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1A31

This seems to be where the installer hangs when backing up registry
elements.

Here is what the error message is that the SP2 Installer wants to send
to MS after I cancel the Unresponding installer:

szAppName : update.exe szAppVer : 5.5.1005.0 szModName : hungapp

szModVer : 0.0.0.0 offset : 00000000

I think I tried following down the error codes from this and it seemed
to suggest "too many files open", So I increased the number of open
files in "windows\system32\CONFIG.NT" from 40 to 200. This didn't help
at all. I wonder if CONFIG.NT is even needed at all -- I think one of
the older programs might have created it (?)

Also -- do I need to uninstall the SP2 that shows up in Add/Remove
Programs each time this process hangs?? -- I've only done it about 12
times already and each time it turns into a pleasant hour-long, re-boot
the machine multiple times effort.

Thanks for any help -- I am pulling my hair out. And here is the kicker
- this is a certified, used IBM machine that I bought -- so IBM washes
their hands on support (out of warranty) and MS also washes their hands,
because IBM is the OEM -- "its a Catch-a-22" ...

 

[Dave Fischer]

OK - took care of it - did the SP2 install in Safe Mode and it seems to
be fine. OK so far.