SP2 Update: I Surrender!

After close to a half dozen attempts I finally stopped trying to update to Windows XP Service Pack 2. There, I've said it and it feels good! I will no longer be a living example of insanity (Doing the same action over and over expecting different results). I've consoled myself by loaded SP1a and all the Windows XP critical updates I could find. Admittedly, I began trying to update to SP2 some time after it's introduction, but I have not found any posts suggesting the severe problems I've experienced while trying to load the SP2 update on Dell PCs. Additionally, I'm mystified that Dell reports no known issues with SP2. I find it hard to believe that my little ole', plain vanilla Dell Dimension 4400 is this rogue PC that can't be slain with the SP2 silver bullet.


My Info: Dell Dimension 4400, 1.60 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4, 18 kilobyte primary memory cache, 256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Slot 'J5G3' has 256 MB, Slot 'J5G1' is Empty

MAXTOR 6L040L2 [Hard drive] (40.03 GB), Maxtor 6E020L0 [Hard drive] (20.85 GB), HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8160B [CD-ROM drive]

What type of error are you getting?

Bob:

If you are having install or application compatibility issues you should
contact Microsoft Support at http://support.microsoft.com - in the assisted
support options in the middle of the page.

SP1 was originally released August 2002; SP2 was released 18 months ago, in
August 2004. There is a 24 month transition period to allow people to
evaluate and deploy SP2 while SP1 is still supported with security fixes
(http://www.microsoft.com/lifecycle). However, effective October 2006,
later this year, security updates for XP SP1 will no longer be available as
it will no longer be in lifecycle supposrt. You need to make plans to
install SP2 prior to this date or risk having an insecure computer.

I encourage everyone still running XP SP1 to plan to install SP2 in the near
future to remain secure. And of course, for those still using XP Orginal
Release, you need to instal SP2 asap.


"JoeM" <> wrote in message
news:...
> What type of error are you getting?
>

Lockups & instability preventing reboot even under safe mode. The last
concerned a ?lass.exe ? file (not sure of spelling). Blue screen unmountable
disk volume.


"JoeM" <> wrote in message
news:...
> What type of error are you getting?
>
>

This is a Dell system. They say SP2 is a software issued not their PC's
problem.


"John [MSFT]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Bob:
>
> If you are having install or application compatibility issues you should
> contact Microsoft Support at http://support.microsoft.com - in the
assisted
> support options in the middle of the page.
>
> SP1 was originally released August 2002; SP2 was released 18 months ago,
in
> August 2004. There is a 24 month transition period to allow people to
> evaluate and deploy SP2 while SP1 is still supported with security fixes
> (http://www.microsoft.com/lifecycle). However, effective October 2006,
> later this year, security updates for XP SP1 will no longer be available
as
> it will no longer be in lifecycle supposrt. You need to make plans to
> install SP2 prior to this date or risk having an insecure computer.
>
> I encourage everyone still running XP SP1 to plan to install SP2 in the
near
> future to remain secure. And of course, for those still using XP Orginal
> Release, you need to instal SP2 asap.
>
>
> "JoeM" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > What type of error are you getting?
> >
>
>

Are you sure you have a clean system (no spyware/malware/virus)

"Bob Swieciki" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Lockups & instability preventing reboot even under safe mode. The last
> concerned a ?lass.exe ? file (not sure of spelling). Blue screen
> unmountable
> disk volume.
>
>
> "JoeM" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> What type of error are you getting?
>>
>>
>
>

As best I can be certain of any of the anti-wares, yes. Ran Adaware prior to
downloads. Ironically, malware/spyware was the oringinal reason "I went into
the swamp" in the first place.



"JoeM" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Are you sure you have a clean system (no spyware/malware/virus)
>
> "Bob Swieciki" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> > Lockups & instability preventing reboot even under safe mode. The last
> > concerned a ?lass.exe ? file (not sure of spelling). Blue screen
> > unmountable
> > disk volume.
> >
> >
> > "JoeM" <> wrote in message
> > news:...
> >> What type of error are you getting?
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

What errors are you getting registry errors? THose are the only errors I
have come across. I have installed alot of SP2 updates.

"Bob Swieciki" <> wrote in message
news:...
> As best I can be certain of any of the anti-wares, yes. Ran Adaware prior
> to
> downloads. Ironically, malware/spyware was the oringinal reason "I went
> into
> the swamp" in the first place.
>
>
>
> "JoeM" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Are you sure you have a clean system (no spyware/malware/virus)
>>
>> "Bob Swieciki" <> wrote in message
>> news:...
>> > Lockups & instability preventing reboot even under safe mode. The last
>> > concerned a ?lass.exe ? file (not sure of spelling). Blue screen
>> > unmountable
>> > disk volume.
>> >
>> >
>> > "JoeM" <> wrote in message
>> > news:...
>> >> What type of error are you getting?
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

1. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

2. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default...xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org


Bob Swieciki wrote:
> After close to a half dozen attempts I finally stopped trying to update
> to Windows XP Service Pack 2. There, I've said it and it feels good! I
> will no longer be a living example of insanity (Doing the same action
> over and over expecting different results). I've consoled myself by
> loaded SP1a and all the Windows XP critical updates I could find.
> Admittedly, I began trying to update to SP2 some time after it's
> introduction, but I have not found any posts suggesting the severe
> problems I've experienced while trying to load the SP2 update on Dell
> PCs. Additionally, I'm mystified that Dell reports no known issues with
> SP2. I find it hard to believe that my little ole', plain vanilla Dell
> Dimension 4400 is this rogue PC that can't be slain with the SP2 silver
> bullet.
>
>
> My Info: Dell Dimension 4400, 1.60 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4, 18 kilobyte
> primary memory cache, 256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
> Slot 'J5G3' has 256 MB, Slot 'J5G1' is Empty
>
> MAXTOR 6L040L2 [Hard drive] (40.03 GB), Maxtor 6E020L0 [Hard drive]
> (20.85 GB), HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8160B [CD-ROM drive]

Bob;
John is suggesting you contact Microsoft Product Support Services.
Issues directly caused by Windows Updates are free,

Another thing you can try if you have or can borrow another hard drive, even
for a few hours.
Swap the hard drive.
Install Windows XP followed by Service Pack 2?
Does it still work OK?
If it does, start updating drivers and adding software.
If the problem returns, you have discovered the root cause.
If not, there is some otherwise unidentifiable corruption.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Bob Swieciki" <> wrote in message
news:Ok%...
> This is a Dell system. They say SP2 is a software issued not their PC's
> problem.
>
>
> "John [MSFT]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Bob:
>>
>> If you are having install or application compatibility issues you should
>> contact Microsoft Support at http://support.microsoft.com - in the
> assisted
>> support options in the middle of the page.
>>
>> SP1 was originally released August 2002; SP2 was released 18 months ago,
> in
>> August 2004. There is a 24 month transition period to allow people to
>> evaluate and deploy SP2 while SP1 is still supported with security fixes
>> (http://www.microsoft.com/lifecycle). However, effective October 2006,
>> later this year, security updates for XP SP1 will no longer be available
> as
>> it will no longer be in lifecycle supposrt. You need to make plans to
>> install SP2 prior to this date or risk having an insecure computer.
>>
>> I encourage everyone still running XP SP1 to plan to install SP2 in the
> near
>> future to remain secure. And of course, for those still using XP
>> Orginal
>> Release, you need to instal SP2 asap.