XP Sp2 failed upgrade "cannot copy startoc.dll"

I have tried several times, both using the upgrade setup through the
automatic download ( I keep getting the reminder that the upgrade is ready on
start up) and using a version on CD.
In both cases, I get the same error ( extract from the log hereafter):
*************************************************
2368.656: Copied file: C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
2577.105: VerifySize: Unable to obtain Target file size:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
2577.105: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
2578.107: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
2579.108: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
2580.110: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
2581.111: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
2582.113: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile retries failed:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
2582.113: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
0000007b
2583.114: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
0000007b
2584.116: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
0000007b
2585.117: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
0000007b
2586.118: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
0000007b
2587.120: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile retries failed: ountered an error:
************************************************** **
My desktop PC was originaly supplied with Windows 98, upgraded to XP Sp1.

Using the same Sp2 CD upgrade on my notebook (originaly with XP Sp1) did
upgrade wihtout a problem!

Any idea???

Thanks

Dear Rich,
Thank you for a quickand helpful response but the saga continue:
I check your recommended sites and..
Ad-aware was installed but I have disabled until I get some support from
them, it reacts with microsoft auto updates and nearly created a dissaster (
I had to do a restore under DOS)
I have now installed the Microsoft Antispyware and ran a check..all ok
I have Pestpatrol, all OK
I have AVG, updated, all OK
I have ZA updated, all OK
I clean up all my HD and partitions.. (2.7 G free in drive C)
I ran a complete check on the c drive...OK
I shut down all firewall, virus checked, spyware, internet...etc
then ran the Sp2 setup wizard (auto update version).... and got stuck again
with startoc.dll...:-((
the dreaded "cannot copy startoc.dll.."
I checked using explorer and saw that it had copy all the startoc files in
the "servicepatchfiles/i386" directory ( .dll, .cat, .inf)
So why asking again to do it???
I tried, renaming the copied file startoc.dll as startoc.old and asked to
retry but got the same reply..

In the windows update log comes the following messages:
*******************************************
....
2005-05-22 12:51:33+0100 876 388 WU client completed and deleted call
{B8BDDC54-1D08-45A8-88B7-6F7FFBA6447B}
2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876 388 REPORT EVENT:
{70D6B147-20FA-42EB-AD07-149355C28F0D} 0 2005-05-22
12:51:29+0100 1 182 101 {7477AF62-8F9B-4F32-9DAF-7AB452E52396} 124 8007007b AutomaticUpdates Failure Content
Install Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update
with error 0x8007007b: Windows XP Service Pack 2.
2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876 388 REPORT EVENT:
{6D06CECC-3A12-4CB6-8AEF-4C60DCB1F265} 0 2005-05-22
12:51:31+0100 1 182 101 {12497FC5-D5E1-49A8-8E44-26CBA6400DD7} 106 8007007b AutomaticUpdates Failure Content
Install Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update
with error 0x8007007b: Windows XP Service Pack 2.
2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876 388 REPORT EVENT:
{7927174D-723D-4C0C-A307-E9D169A2B28D} 0 2005-05-22
12:51:33+0100 1 193 102 {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000} 0 0 AutomaticUpdates Success Content
Install Restart Required: To complete the installation of the following
updates, the computer must be restarted. Until this computer has been
restarted, Windows cannot search for or download new updates: - Windows XP
Service Pack 2
....
*************************************************

Any other idea??

"Rich Barry" wrote:

> Part of the Difficulty may be upgrading from Win98>WinXP>WinXP + SP2. SP2
> is such an extensive Update that it's almost like a WinXP Upgrade. One of
> the most important pre-update things you can do is free your system from any
> Malware. If you havent done that you can use All of these sites
>
> http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner...ource=appvisit
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
>
>
>
>
>
> http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
>
>
>
> http://www.webroot.com/
>
>
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
>
>
> Also, check at Kelly's http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
> Select S and scroll to SP2
>
>
>
> "Cuhullainn" <> wrote in message
> news:99E90C93-A5B0-49B4-B484-...
> >I have tried several times, both using the upgrade setup through the
> > automatic download ( I keep getting the reminder that the upgrade is ready
> > on
> > start up) and using a version on CD.
> > In both cases, I get the same error ( extract from the log hereafter):
> > *************************************************
> > 2368.656: Copied file: C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
> > 2577.105: VerifySize: Unable to obtain Target file size:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
> > 2577.105: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
> > 2578.107: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
> > 2579.108: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
> > 2580.110: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
> > 2581.111: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll, Error = 00000005
> > 2582.113: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile retries failed:
> > C:\WINDOWS\System32\setup\startoc.dll
> > 2582.113: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
> > 0000007b
> > 2583.114: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
> > 0000007b
> > 2584.116: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
> > 0000007b
> > 2585.117: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
> > 0000007b
> > 2586.118: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile error: ountered an error:, Error =
> > 0000007b
> > 2587.120: SetupDecompressOrCopyFile retries failed: ountered an error:
> > ************************************************** **
> > My desktop PC was originaly supplied with Windows 98, upgraded to XP Sp1.
> >
> > Using the same Sp2 CD upgrade on my notebook (originaly with XP Sp1) did
> > upgrade wihtout a problem!
> >
> > Any idea???
> >
> > Thanks
>
>
>

Try to locate all instances (copies) of startoc.dll and highlight to get to Properties. See who publishes this & what version & date it is.
My system does not have it. So I have to conclude it is a 3rd-party program component.

My strong suggestion to you is to disable all startup apps & your antivirus before starting the setup of Service Pack 2 (or any future service pack.) .

Do a liitle reading before getting SP2. See tips at Aumha.org on preparing for SP2.

Look at the Pre-Installation Recommendations
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

Windows XP SP2 - FAQ & Best Practices" at Aumha.org
http://forum.aumha.org/index.php?c=16

--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
-----


Cuhullainn wrote:
> Dear Rich,
> Thank you for a quickand helpful response but the saga continue:
> I check your recommended sites and..
> Ad-aware was installed but I have disabled until I get some support
> from them, it reacts with microsoft auto updates and nearly created a
> dissaster ( I had to do a restore under DOS)
> I have now installed the Microsoft Antispyware and ran a check..all ok
> I have Pestpatrol, all OK
> I have AVG, updated, all OK
> I have ZA updated, all OK
> I clean up all my HD and partitions.. (2.7 G free in drive C)
> I ran a complete check on the c drive...OK
> I shut down all firewall, virus checked, spyware, internet...etc
> then ran the Sp2 setup wizard (auto update version).... and got stuck
> again with startoc.dll...:-((
> the dreaded "cannot copy startoc.dll.."
> I checked using explorer and saw that it had copy all the startoc
> files in the "servicepatchfiles/i386" directory ( .dll, .cat, .inf)
> So why asking again to do it???
> I tried, renaming the copied file startoc.dll as startoc.old and
> asked to retry but got the same reply..
>
> In the windows update log comes the following messages:
> *******************************************
> ...
> 2005-05-22 12:51:33+0100 876 388 WU client completed and deleted call
> {B8BDDC54-1D08-45A8-88B7-6F7FFBA6447B}
> 2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876 388 REPORT EVENT:
> {70D6B147-20FA-42EB-AD07-149355C28F0D} 0 2005-05-22
> 12:51:29+0100 1 182 101 {7477AF62-8F9B-4F32-9DAF-7AB452E52396} 124
> 8007007b AutomaticUpdates Failure Content Install Installation
> Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error
> 0x8007007b: Windows XP Service Pack 2. 2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876
> 388 REPORT EVENT: {6D06CECC-3A12-4CB6-8AEF-4C60DCB1F265} 0 2005-05-22
> 12:51:31+0100 1 182 101 {12497FC5-D5E1-49A8-8E44-26CBA6400DD7} 106
> 8007007b AutomaticUpdates Failure Content Install Installation
> Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error
> 0x8007007b: Windows XP Service Pack 2. 2005-05-22 12:51:36+0100 876
> 388 REPORT EVENT: {7927174D-723D-4C0C-A307-E9D169A2B28D} 0 2005-05-22
> 12:51:33+0100 1 193 102 {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000} 0 0
> AutomaticUpdates Success Content Install Restart Required: To
> complete the installation of the following updates, the computer must
> be restarted. Until this computer has been restarted, Windows cannot
> search for or download new updates: - Windows XP Service Pack 2
> ...
> *************************************************
>
> Any other idea??

Dear Rich and Maurice,

Thanks for your support!
To clarify, my Windows Xp is not a "starter Edition" for sure, it was an
upgrade version from Win 98 SE, I did install SP1 at the time and now
struggling with SP2.
As for the Sp2, I have the auto update version on my drive which I assume to
be the correct one since it came directly from Microsoft and I have a CD
version which came with the Windows XP magazine when Sp2 was released.
I went trough all the standard recommendations but maybe my mistake was to
"exit" all running program as seen on the bottom tool bar instead of using
the "clean boot" method as describe!
Too late tonight, it's 11.30 pm so wish me luck, I'll have a go tomorrow
morning!!

I'll let you know for sure!

Well.. I tried ... and fsail again!!!!
I did a clean reboot as per instructions (KB 310353)
made sure ZA firewall, virus checkers, anty spyware..etc were off
Launch the SP2 update..
it went through all the steps:
inspecting
performing inventory
check for product key
created cabinet
back up registry
restore point
installing files...
at this stage I kept an eye on the directory:
c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386
for the startoc files appearing...
they did, and the process continued for a little while
and the fail message appeared:
****
installing startoc.dll
an error occured while copying startoc.dll...
****
I tried a few "retries"... no success
so I choose ""continue without.." to get out of the loop
It brough me on a window asking to find the file...
which was located in
C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\i c
but kept me in a loop till I choose to cancel
at this stage the update process was self aborted....

Once the system was restored back to sp1, I cheked the update.inf file
in C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\u pdate
and the startoc files are identified as part of the setup process.

I assumed, as this being a microsoft auto update package, that Microsoft
would have "checked" my system and tailored any update according to my needs
and therefore produce trouble free updates?.. Am I so naive???

I have searched the microsoft KB for "startoc" and cannot find any trace nor
hints...Yet these files are from Microsoft!

I did double check on my portable, where SP2 was succesfully upgraded to SP2
and found that these files are present.

as confused as before... if not more!!!!


"Cuhullainn" wrote:

>
> Dear Rich and Maurice,
>
> Thanks for your support!
> To clarify, my Windows Xp is not a "starter Edition" for sure, it was an
> upgrade version from Win 98 SE, I did install SP1 at the time and now
> struggling with SP2.
> As for the Sp2, I have the auto update version on my drive which I assume to
> be the correct one since it came directly from Microsoft and I have a CD
> version which came with the Windows XP magazine when Sp2 was released.
> I went trough all the standard recommendations but maybe my mistake was to
> "exit" all running program as seen on the bottom tool bar instead of using
> the "clean boot" method as describe!
> Too late tonight, it's 11.30 pm so wish me luck, I'll have a go tomorrow
> morning!!
>
> I'll let you know for sure!
>

It may be you have to remove references to that DLL from the registry, and perhaps first unregister that DLL. Followed by renaming all copies of it.

--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
-----


Cuhullainn wrote:
> Well.. I tried ... and fsail again!!!!
> I did a clean reboot as per instructions (KB 310353)
> made sure ZA firewall, virus checkers, anty spyware..etc were off
> Launch the SP2 update..
> it went through all the steps:
> inspecting
> performing inventory
> check for product key
> created cabinet
> back up registry
> restore point
> installing files...
> at this stage I kept an eye on the directory:
> c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386
> for the startoc files appearing...
> they did, and the process continued for a little while
> and the fail message appeared:
> ****
> installing startoc.dll
> an error occured while copying startoc.dll...
> ****
> I tried a few "retries"... no success
> so I choose ""continue without.." to get out of the loop
> It brough me on a window asking to find the file...
> which was located in
> C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\i c
> but kept me in a loop till I choose to cancel
> at this stage the update process was self aborted....
>
> Once the system was restored back to sp1, I cheked the update.inf file
> in C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\u pdate
> and the startoc files are identified as part of the setup process.
>
> I assumed, as this being a microsoft auto update package, that
> Microsoft would have "checked" my system and tailored any update
> according to my needs and therefore produce trouble free updates?..
> Am I so naive???
>
> I have searched the microsoft KB for "startoc" and cannot find any
> trace nor hints...Yet these files are from Microsoft!
>
> I did double check on my portable, where SP2 was succesfully upgraded
> to SP2 and found that these files are present.
>
> as confused as before... if not more!!!!
>
>
> "Cuhullainn" wrote:
>
>>
>> Dear Rich and Maurice,
>>
>> Thanks for your support!
>> To clarify, my Windows Xp is not a "starter Edition" for sure, it
>> was an upgrade version from Win 98 SE, I did install SP1 at the time
>> and now struggling with SP2.
>> As for the Sp2, I have the auto update version on my drive which I
>> assume to be the correct one since it came directly from Microsoft
>> and I have a CD version which came with the Windows XP magazine when
>> Sp2 was released. I went trough all the standard recommendations but
>> maybe my mistake was to "exit" all running program as seen on the
>> bottom tool bar instead of using the "clean boot" method as describe!
>> Too late tonight, it's 11.30 pm so wish me luck, I'll have a go
>> tomorrow morning!!
>>
>> I'll let you know for sure!

Dear Maurice,

Thanks for your help...
I checked the registry and there ar eno reference to "startoc", in my hard
drive, after the recover procedure, it just disappear too...

I did check on the registry the following:
in HKEY_Local_Machine
Software
Microsoft
Windows NT
current version:
The values for
BuildLab = 2600.xpsp2.050301-1526
CSDVersion = Service Pack 1
CurrentBuild = 1.511.1 () (Obsolete - do not use)
CurrentBuildNumber = 2600
CurrentType = Uniprocessor Free
CurrentVersion = 5.1

Is that any help??
In the mean time, I have order from Microsoft directly a SP2 upgrade version
CD, just in case my downloaded version is corrupted.

Best regards
"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> It may be you have to remove references to that DLL from the registry, and perhaps first unregister that DLL. Followed by renaming all copies of it.
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MVP Windows - Shell / User
> -----
>
>
> Cuhullainn wrote:
> > Well.. I tried ... and fsail again!!!!
> > I did a clean reboot as per instructions (KB 310353)
> > made sure ZA firewall, virus checkers, anty spyware..etc were off
> > Launch the SP2 update..
> > it went through all the steps:
> > inspecting
> > performing inventory
> > check for product key
> > created cabinet
> > back up registry
> > restore point
> > installing files...
> > at this stage I kept an eye on the directory:
> > c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386
> > for the startoc files appearing...
> > they did, and the process continued for a little while
> > and the fail message appeared:
> > ****
> > installing startoc.dll
> > an error occured while copying startoc.dll...
> > ****
> > I tried a few "retries"... no success
> > so I choose ""continue without.." to get out of the loop
> > It brough me on a window asking to find the file...
> > which was located in
> > C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\i c
> > but kept me in a loop till I choose to cancel
> > at this stage the update process was self aborted....
> >
> > Once the system was restored back to sp1, I cheked the update.inf file
> > in C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\u pdate
> > and the startoc files are identified as part of the setup process.
> >
> > I assumed, as this being a microsoft auto update package, that
> > Microsoft would have "checked" my system and tailored any update
> > according to my needs and therefore produce trouble free updates?..
> > Am I so naive???
> >
> > I have searched the microsoft KB for "startoc" and cannot find any
> > trace nor hints...Yet these files are from Microsoft!
> >
> > I did double check on my portable, where SP2 was succesfully upgraded
> > to SP2 and found that these files are present.
> >
> > as confused as before... if not more!!!!
> >
> >
> > "Cuhullainn" wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> Dear Rich and Maurice,
> >>
> >> Thanks for your support!
> >> To clarify, my Windows Xp is not a "starter Edition" for sure, it
> >> was an upgrade version from Win 98 SE, I did install SP1 at the time
> >> and now struggling with SP2.
> >> As for the Sp2, I have the auto update version on my drive which I
> >> assume to be the correct one since it came directly from Microsoft
> >> and I have a CD version which came with the Windows XP magazine when
> >> Sp2 was released. I went trough all the standard recommendations but
> >> maybe my mistake was to "exit" all running program as seen on the
> >> bottom tool bar instead of using the "clean boot" method as describe!
> >> Too late tonight, it's 11.30 pm so wish me luck, I'll have a go
> >> tomorrow morning!!
> >>
> >> I'll let you know for sure!
>

Well, I got an "official" SP2 upgrade CD from Microsoft, tried again and
resulted in same failure!...so..time to get the big artillery out!!!

Remember, in my first post I did mentioned that my original WindowsXP (home
edition) was installed using an "upgrade" version over Windows98 SE.

I bought a new drive and got hold of an OEM Windows XP installation CD. I
unhooked my C: drive and replaced it with the new virgin drive and proceeded
with the installation of the OEM full WindowsXP+SP1 software.. then loaded
the SP2 CD... it went like a charm.. no glitch..

So I can only assume now that somehow upgrading to SP2 on a Windows98 SE cum
Windows XP upgrade + SP1 "may" cause problems.....
I am just glad I was able to purchase an (OEM - Still wrapped original)
Windows XP full software at a reasonnable price and not have had to forkout
the full price for the pleasure of having SP2 for no where I did found that
it was not compatible through a Windows 98 SE upgrade history.


"Cuhullainn" wrote:

>
> Dear Maurice,
>
> Thanks for your help...
> I checked the registry and there ar eno reference to "startoc", in my hard
> drive, after the recover procedure, it just disappear too...
>
> I did check on the registry the following:
> in HKEY_Local_Machine
> Software
> Microsoft
> Windows NT
> current version:
> The values for
> BuildLab = 2600.xpsp2.050301-1526
> CSDVersion = Service Pack 1
> CurrentBuild = 1.511.1 () (Obsolete - do not use)
> CurrentBuildNumber = 2600
> CurrentType = Uniprocessor Free
> CurrentVersion = 5.1
>
> Is that any help??
> In the mean time, I have order from Microsoft directly a SP2 upgrade version
> CD, just in case my downloaded version is corrupted.
>
> Best regards
> "Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:
>
> > It may be you have to remove references to that DLL from the registry, and perhaps first unregister that DLL. Followed by renaming all copies of it.
> >
> > --
> > Maurice N
> > MVP Windows - Shell / User
> > -----
> >
> >
> > Cuhullainn wrote:
> > > Well.. I tried ... and fsail again!!!!
> > > I did a clean reboot as per instructions (KB 310353)
> > > made sure ZA firewall, virus checkers, anty spyware..etc were off
> > > Launch the SP2 update..
> > > it went through all the steps:
> > > inspecting
> > > performing inventory
> > > check for product key
> > > created cabinet
> > > back up registry
> > > restore point
> > > installing files...
> > > at this stage I kept an eye on the directory:
> > > c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386
> > > for the startoc files appearing...
> > > they did, and the process continued for a little while
> > > and the fail message appeared:
> > > ****
> > > installing startoc.dll
> > > an error occured while copying startoc.dll...
> > > ****
> > > I tried a few "retries"... no success
> > > so I choose ""continue without.." to get out of the loop
> > > It brough me on a window asking to find the file...
> > > which was located in
> > > C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\i c
> > > but kept me in a loop till I choose to cancel
> > > at this stage the update process was self aborted....
> > >
> > > Once the system was restored back to sp1, I cheked the update.inf file
> > > in C:\windowa\softwaredistribution\download\6ca....\u pdate
> > > and the startoc files are identified as part of the setup process.
> > >
> > > I assumed, as this being a microsoft auto update package, that
> > > Microsoft would have "checked" my system and tailored any update
> > > according to my needs and therefore produce trouble free updates?..
> > > Am I so naive???
> > >
> > > I have searched the microsoft KB for "startoc" and cannot find any
> > > trace nor hints...Yet these files are from Microsoft!
> > >
> > > I did double check on my portable, where SP2 was succesfully upgraded
> > > to SP2 and found that these files are present.
> > >
> > > as confused as before... if not more!!!!
> > >
> > >
> > > "Cuhullainn" wrote:
> > >
> > >>
> > >> Dear Rich and Maurice,
> > >>
> > >> Thanks for your support!
> > >> To clarify, my Windows Xp is not a "starter Edition" for sure, it
> > >> was an upgrade version from Win 98 SE, I did install SP1 at the time
> > >> and now struggling with SP2.
> > >> As for the Sp2, I have the auto update version on my drive which I
> > >> assume to be the correct one since it came directly from Microsoft
> > >> and I have a CD version which came with the Windows XP magazine when
> > >> Sp2 was released. I went trough all the standard recommendations but
> > >> maybe my mistake was to "exit" all running program as seen on the
> > >> bottom tool bar instead of using the "clean boot" method as describe!
> > >> Too late tonight, it's 11.30 pm so wish me luck, I'll have a go
> > >> tomorrow morning!!
> > >>
> > >> I'll let you know for sure!
> >

Cuhullainn,

I have a pc that went from Win98SE to XP Gold, to XP-SP1, then XP-SP2 without any problems---certainly NOT the startoc.dll

--
Maurice N
MVP Windows - Shell / User
-----

Cuhullainn wrote:
> Well, I got an "official" SP2 upgrade CD from Microsoft, tried again
> and resulted in same failure!...so..time to get the big artillery
> out!!!
>
> Remember, in my first post I did mentioned that my original WindowsXP
> (home edition) was installed using an "upgrade" version over
> Windows98 SE.
>
> I bought a new drive and got hold of an OEM Windows XP installation
> CD. I unhooked my C: drive and replaced it with the new virgin drive
> and proceeded with the installation of the OEM full WindowsXP+SP1
> software.. then loaded the SP2 CD... it went like a charm.. no
> glitch..
>
> So I can only assume now that somehow upgrading to SP2 on a Windows98
> SE cum Windows XP upgrade + SP1 "may" cause problems.....
> I am just glad I was able to purchase an (OEM - Still wrapped
> original) Windows XP full software at a reasonnable price and not
> have had to forkout the full price for the pleasure of having SP2 for
> no where I did found that it was not compatible through a Windows 98
> SE upgrade history.
>
>

Hi Maurice!
You are lucky...Maybe the fairies in Ireland are playing tricks on my PC...LOL
My conversion from Windows 98 SE to XP was through the "Upgrade" version of
Windows XP (version 2002) as oppose to XP Gold ( full version I assume?).
I have faithfully over the years kept my registration uptodate with
Microsoft, did all the web updates so I cannot figure out why it keeps
stalling on that Startoc.dll.
I have had HD failure over a year ago and had to reinstall all on a new HD,
it was a pain for I had to install first Win 98, then the XP upgrade ..etc. I
never bought a full version of Windows XP, matter of principle since I
beleive the "upgrade version" of XP was commercialized as such..
Well untill last couple of weeks, out of frustation, I bought on E-Bay an
OEM version of Windows XP Pro - Full version and a brand new HD of larger
capacity..ANd that solved my woes!!!

Best regards and thank for your help again

"Maurice N ~ MVP" wrote:

> Cuhullainn,
>
> I have a pc that went from Win98SE to XP Gold, to XP-SP1, then XP-SP2 without any problems---certainly NOT the startoc.dll
>
> --
> Maurice N
> MVP Windows - Shell / User
> -----
>
> Cuhullainn wrote:
> > Well, I got an "official" SP2 upgrade CD from Microsoft, tried again
> > and resulted in same failure!...so..time to get the big artillery
> > out!!!
> >
> > Remember, in my first post I did mentioned that my original WindowsXP
> > (home edition) was installed using an "upgrade" version over
> > Windows98 SE.
> >
> > I bought a new drive and got hold of an OEM Windows XP installation
> > CD. I unhooked my C: drive and replaced it with the new virgin drive
> > and proceeded with the installation of the OEM full WindowsXP+SP1
> > software.. then loaded the SP2 CD... it went like a charm.. no
> > glitch..
> >
> > So I can only assume now that somehow upgrading to SP2 on a Windows98
> > SE cum Windows XP upgrade + SP1 "may" cause problems.....
> > I am just glad I was able to purchase an (OEM - Still wrapped
> > original) Windows XP full software at a reasonnable price and not
> > have had to forkout the full price for the pleasure of having SP2 for
> > no where I did found that it was not compatible through a Windows 98
> > SE upgrade history.
> >
> >
>
>