WinXP Update to SP2 fails

I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different times.
It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer for the
updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black or I
see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and a
"please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way, that's as
far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2. Then
everything is fine again.

Any suggestions?

Applies to SP2 and SP3, why not skip SP2
and go directly to SP3.

Do not use the Windows Update web site, if at all possible download the
service pack installation file directly to your hard drive and install SP2
or SP3 using the download file.

Make certain that your disk drive has the space required, at least 2GB for a
PC that is fully loaded with applications. This 2GB does not include the
recommended 15% free disk space requirement for Windows XP.

Windows SP2 Download (WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Getting and Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
(See the section titiled: How to Use the Network Install Version)
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nstallsp2.mspx

Where to download the SP3 installation file:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Install SP2 or SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
See the section titled: Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows XP,
skipping step 4.

Why clean boot:
A "Clean Boot" insures that only a minimal set of Windows Services and
applications are running. This means your Anti Virus software, third party
Firewall and other background applications will not be running; thereby
reducing the chances that installing SP3 will fail. Just remember to undo
the "Clean Boot" changes after installing SP3.


--
JS
http://www.pagestart.com



"CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
news:6FA1D3F9-B012-4ABC-8079-...
>I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
>times.
> It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer for
> the
> updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
> process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black or
> I
> see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and a
> "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way, that's
> as
> far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2. Then
> everything is fine again.
>
> Any suggestions?
>

I didn't realize that I could install SP3 wo installing SP2 first. So I
understand correctly, download both SP's to my hard drive, then follow the
"clean boot" steps and restart. After restart, install either both SP's or
just SP3, restart again and then change "clean boot" config back to "normal
boot" and all should be fine? Hopefully? Correct???

"JS" wrote:

> Applies to SP2 and SP3, why not skip SP2
> and go directly to SP3.
>
> Do not use the Windows Update web site, if at all possible download the
> service pack installation file directly to your hard drive and install SP2
> or SP3 using the download file.
>
> Make certain that your disk drive has the space required, at least 2GB for a
> PC that is fully loaded with applications. This 2GB does not include the
> recommended 15% free disk space requirement for Windows XP.
>
> Windows SP2 Download (WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Getting and Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
> (See the section titiled: How to Use the Network Install Version)
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nstallsp2.mspx
>
> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Install SP2 or SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
> See the section titled: Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows XP,
> skipping step 4.
>
> Why clean boot:
> A "Clean Boot" insures that only a minimal set of Windows Services and
> applications are running. This means your Anti Virus software, third party
> Firewall and other background applications will not be running; thereby
> reducing the chances that installing SP3 will fail. Just remember to undo
> the "Clean Boot" changes after installing SP3.
>
>
> --
> JS
> http://www.pagestart.com
>
>
>
> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
> news:6FA1D3F9-B012-4ABC-8079-...
> >I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
> >times.
> > It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer for
> > the
> > updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
> > process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black or
> > I
> > see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and a
> > "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way, that's
> > as
> > far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2. Then
> > everything is fine again.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
> >
>
>
>

Yes, as long as you have XP Service Pack 1A you can
just skip SP2 and install SP3 as SP3 contains all the
SP2 updates.

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information and error codes.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

--
JS
http://www.pagestart.com



"CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
news:275437AE-8B57-4E43-91FB-...
>I didn't realize that I could install SP3 wo installing SP2 first. So I
> understand correctly, download both SP's to my hard drive, then follow the
> "clean boot" steps and restart. After restart, install either both SP's or
> just SP3, restart again and then change "clean boot" config back to
> "normal
> boot" and all should be fine? Hopefully? Correct???
>
> "JS" wrote:
>
>> Applies to SP2 and SP3, why not skip SP2
>> and go directly to SP3.
>>
>> Do not use the Windows Update web site, if at all possible download the
>> service pack installation file directly to your hard drive and install
>> SP2
>> or SP3 using the download file.
>>
>> Make certain that your disk drive has the space required, at least 2GB
>> for a
>> PC that is fully loaded with applications. This 2GB does not include the
>> recommended 15% free disk space requirement for Windows XP.
>>
>> Windows SP2 Download (WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> Getting and Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
>> (See the section titiled: How to Use the Network Install Version)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nstallsp2.mspx
>>
>> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
>> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>
>> Install SP2 or SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>> See the section titled: Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows
>> XP,
>> skipping step 4.
>>
>> Why clean boot:
>> A "Clean Boot" insures that only a minimal set of Windows Services and
>> applications are running. This means your Anti Virus software, third
>> party
>> Firewall and other background applications will not be running; thereby
>> reducing the chances that installing SP3 will fail. Just remember to undo
>> the "Clean Boot" changes after installing SP3.
>>
>>
>> --
>> JS
>> http://www.pagestart.com
>>
>>
>>
>> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
>> news:6FA1D3F9-B012-4ABC-8079-...
>> >I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
>> >times.
>> > It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer
>> > for
>> > the
>> > updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
>> > process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black
>> > or
>> > I
>> > see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and
>> > a
>> > "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way,
>> > that's
>> > as
>> > far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2.
>> > Then
>> > everything is fine again.
>> >
>> > Any suggestions?
>> >
>>
>>
>>

I don't have SP1a only SP1. I didn't install SP1a because I read on Microsoft
that if you have SP1 installed you don't need SP1a. So can I still skip SP2?
BTW, thanks for all your help.

"JS" wrote:

> Yes, as long as you have XP Service Pack 1A you can
> just skip SP2 and install SP3 as SP3 contains all the
> SP2 updates.
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
> Also includes troubleshooting information and error codes.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>
> XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
> http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
> Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>
> --
> JS
> http://www.pagestart.com
>
>
>
> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
> news:275437AE-8B57-4E43-91FB-...
> >I didn't realize that I could install SP3 wo installing SP2 first. So I
> > understand correctly, download both SP's to my hard drive, then follow the
> > "clean boot" steps and restart. After restart, install either both SP's or
> > just SP3, restart again and then change "clean boot" config back to
> > "normal
> > boot" and all should be fine? Hopefully? Correct???
> >
> > "JS" wrote:
> >
> >> Applies to SP2 and SP3, why not skip SP2
> >> and go directly to SP3.
> >>
> >> Do not use the Windows Update web site, if at all possible download the
> >> service pack installation file directly to your hard drive and install
> >> SP2
> >> or SP3 using the download file.
> >>
> >> Make certain that your disk drive has the space required, at least 2GB
> >> for a
> >> PC that is fully loaded with applications. This 2GB does not include the
> >> recommended 15% free disk space requirement for Windows XP.
> >>
> >> Windows SP2 Download (WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe)
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> >>
> >> Getting and Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
> >> (See the section titiled: How to Use the Network Install Version)
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nstallsp2.mspx
> >>
> >> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
> >> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
> >>
> >> Install SP2 or SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
> >> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
> >> See the section titled: Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows
> >> XP,
> >> skipping step 4.
> >>
> >> Why clean boot:
> >> A "Clean Boot" insures that only a minimal set of Windows Services and
> >> applications are running. This means your Anti Virus software, third
> >> party
> >> Firewall and other background applications will not be running; thereby
> >> reducing the chances that installing SP3 will fail. Just remember to undo
> >> the "Clean Boot" changes after installing SP3.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> JS
> >> http://www.pagestart.com
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
> >> news:6FA1D3F9-B012-4ABC-8079-...
> >> >I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
> >> >times.
> >> > It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer
> >> > for
> >> > the
> >> > updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
> >> > process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black
> >> > or
> >> > I
> >> > see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and
> >> > a
> >> > "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way,
> >> > that's
> >> > as
> >> > far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2.
> >> > Then
> >> > everything is fine again.
> >> >
> >> > Any suggestions?
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

SP2 was released four years ago: Why haven't you installed it yet?

HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched
http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002


CaptCastle wrote:
> I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
> times. It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my
> computer for the updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time
> I reboot, the process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either
> goes black or I see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right
> hand
> corner and a "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner.
> Either
> way, that's as far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and
> uninstall SP2. Then everything is fine again.
>
> Any suggestions?

I haven't installed SP2 yet because this computer was originally running
WinXP fully updated until approx 6 mos ago when my nephew, (whose computer
this was), decided to reformat and install Linux. I needed a computer, so,
when he purchased a new laptop, he wiped out Linux and re-installed Windows
XP and gave it to me. He's not as computer savvy as he thinks, (and I'm not
at all), but I've been trying to bring it up to where it should be. I took a
look at the link you provided and I think I can do that. Thank you for your
much needed help PA Bear. I'll let you know how it turns out.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> SP2 was released four years ago: Why haven't you installed it yet?
>
> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched
> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>
>
> CaptCastle wrote:
> > I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
> > times. It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my
> > computer for the updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time
> > I reboot, the process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either
> > goes black or I see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right
> > hand
> > corner and a "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner.
> > Either
> > way, that's as far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and
> > uninstall SP2. Then everything is fine again.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
>
>

CaptCastle wrote:

> I don't have SP1a only SP1. I didn't install SP1a because I read on Microsoft
> that if you have SP1 installed you don't need SP1a. So can I still skip SP2?

Yes.

The only difference between SP1 and SP1a is that the former includes the now
defunct MS Java. This won't affect your ability to install SP3.

Harry.


> BTW, thanks for all your help.
>
> "JS" wrote:
>
>> Yes, as long as you have XP Service Pack 1A you can
>> just skip SP2 and install SP3 as SP3 contains all the
>> SP2 updates.
>>
>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
>> Also includes troubleshooting information and error codes.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>>
>> XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
>> http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>>
>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>>
>> --
>> JS
>> http://www.pagestart.com
>>
>>
>>
>> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
>> news:275437AE-8B57-4E43-91FB-...
>>> I didn't realize that I could install SP3 wo installing SP2 first. So I
>>> understand correctly, download both SP's to my hard drive, then follow the
>>> "clean boot" steps and restart. After restart, install either both SP's or
>>> just SP3, restart again and then change "clean boot" config back to
>>> "normal
>>> boot" and all should be fine? Hopefully? Correct???
>>>
>>> "JS" wrote:
>>>
>>>> Applies to SP2 and SP3, why not skip SP2
>>>> and go directly to SP3.
>>>>
>>>> Do not use the Windows Update web site, if at all possible download the
>>>> service pack installation file directly to your hard drive and install
>>>> SP2
>>>> or SP3 using the download file.
>>>>
>>>> Make certain that your disk drive has the space required, at least 2GB
>>>> for a
>>>> PC that is fully loaded with applications. This 2GB does not include the
>>>> recommended 15% free disk space requirement for Windows XP.
>>>>
>>>> Windows SP2 Download (WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe)
>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>>>
>>>> Getting and Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
>>>> (See the section titiled: How to Use the Network Install Version)
>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nstallsp2.mspx
>>>>
>>>> Where to download the SP3 installation file:
>>>> (File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>>>>
>>>> Install SP2 or SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
>>>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>>>> See the section titled: Manual steps to perform a clean boot in Windows
>>>> XP,
>>>> skipping step 4.
>>>>
>>>> Why clean boot:
>>>> A "Clean Boot" insures that only a minimal set of Windows Services and
>>>> applications are running. This means your Anti Virus software, third
>>>> party
>>>> Firewall and other background applications will not be running; thereby
>>>> reducing the chances that installing SP3 will fail. Just remember to undo
>>>> the "Clean Boot" changes after installing SP3.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> JS
>>>> http://www.pagestart.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "CaptCastle" <> wrote in message
>>>> news:6FA1D3F9-B012-4ABC-8079-...
>>>>> I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
>>>>> times.
>>>>> It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer
>>>>> for
>>>>> the
>>>>> updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
>>>>> process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black
>>>>> or
>>>>> I
>>>>> see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and
>>>>> a
>>>>> "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way,
>>>>> that's
>>>>> as
>>>>> far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2.
>>>>> Then
>>>>> everything is fine again.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any suggestions?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>

RE: WinXP Update to SP2 fails
"CaptCastle" wrote:

> I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different times.
> It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my computer for the
> updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each time I reboot, the
> process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it either goes black or I
> see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right hand corner and a
> "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner. Either way, that's as
> far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and uninstall SP2. Then
> everything is fine again.
>
> Any suggestions?
>

YW. That link I gave you should get you fully patched in 30-45 minutes or
so.

CaptCastle wrote:
> I haven't installed SP2 yet because this computer was originally running
> WinXP fully updated until approx 6 mos ago when my nephew, (whose computer
> this was), decided to reformat and install Linux. I needed a computer, so,
> when he purchased a new laptop, he wiped out Linux and re-installed
> Windows
> XP and gave it to me. He's not as computer savvy as he thinks, (and I'm
> not
> at all), but I've been trying to bring it up to where it should be. I took
> a
> look at the link you provided and I think I can do that. Thank you for
> your
> much needed help PA Bear. I'll let you know how it turns out.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> SP2 was released four years ago: Why haven't you installed it yet?
>>
>> HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched
>> http://groups.google.com/group/micro...66ae41add7dd2b
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>>
>>
>> CaptCastle wrote:
>>> I have tried to update my Windows XP from SP1 to SP2 several different
>>> times. It appears to install successfully. When I try to restart my
>>> computer for the updates to take affect is when I have problems. Each
>>> time
>>> I reboot, the process gets just past the Windows XP screen where it
>>> either
>>> goes black or I see a blue screen with a WinXP logo in the upper right
>>> hand
>>> corner and a "please wait..." message in the upper left hand corner.
>>> Either
>>> way, that's as far as I get. Then I have to restart in Safe Mode and
>>> uninstall SP2. Then everything is fine again.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions?