XP SP2 will not install, now reboots at random

I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to wipe
the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with the
computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had to
start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The most
recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to install
catalog files) and 0x8007F007

I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed to
remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and SP2,
but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with networking
enabled but dont know what to do next.

Can anyone please help me out?

"KEL2Hall" <> wrote in message
news:B238E8CA-2659-4CBA-B7EA-...
>I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to wipe
> the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
> the
> computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had
> to
> start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The most
> recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
> install
> catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>
> I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed
> to
> remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
> SP2,
> but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
> networking
> enabled but dont know what to do next.
>
> Can anyone please help me out?
>
>
Error code 8007f007 means corrupt registry. I would start over because
there is no telling what else is wrong.

Did you make certain that your computer was ready for SP2 before you tried
to install it?

Jim

=> First, format & reinstall WinXP again.

Reference:

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx

=> HOW TO get WinXP SP1 fully patched:

1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4

[Yes, you can skip WinXP SP2 altogether.]

2. Read & heed:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved file
to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice when
the install completes.

4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required software
then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.

[I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]

6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

Additional References:

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

KEL2Hall wrote:
> I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to
> wipe
> the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
> the
> computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had
> to start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The
> most
> recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
> install
> catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>
> I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed
> to
> remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
> SP2,
> but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
> networking enabled but dont know what to do next.
>
> Can anyone please help me out?

Hello KEL2Hall,

I'm not sure about this--but it looks promising--try
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798/>

Good luck
-=-

"KEL2Hall" wrote:

> I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to wipe
> the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with the
> computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had to
> start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The most
> recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to install
> catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>
> I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed to
> remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and SP2,
> but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with networking
> enabled but dont know what to do next.
>
> Can anyone please help me out?
>
>

I'm not sure what you mean about making sure the computer was ready. The last
time I reinstalled the operating system, I downloaded and installed all the
updates recommeded by the Windows Update website or Automatic Updates, and
even skipped the SP2 download a couple of times when it appeared with other
updates. Problem is that nearly every group of updates had at least one
failure that thad to be redone. Most did not require any special coding to
get the instal to work the second time around, but SP2 remained a Booger.

"Jim" wrote:

>
> "KEL2Hall" <> wrote in message
> news:B238E8CA-2659-4CBA-B7EA-...
> >I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to wipe
> > the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
> > the
> > computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> > trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> > microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had
> > to
> > start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The most
> > recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
> > install
> > catalog files) and 0x8007F007
> >
> > I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> > said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed
> > to
> > remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> > errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> > load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> > hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
> > SP2,
> > but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
> > networking
> > enabled but dont know what to do next.
> >
> > Can anyone please help me out?
> >
> >
> Error code 8007f007 means corrupt registry. I would start over because
> there is no telling what else is wrong.
>
> Did you make certain that your computer was ready for SP2 before you tried
> to install it?
>
> Jim
>
>
>

Thanks for the input, but in truth, I did the first 5 steps in that knowledge
base article at one time or another on the several reinstallations I have
done in the last 2 months ( have reinstalled XP at least 6 times since
Thanksgiving), and those steps seemed to cause the reboot loop to recurr.
Frankly, I was afraid to try them again.

"Engel" wrote:

> Hello KEL2Hall,
>
> I'm not sure about this--but it looks promising--try
> <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798/>
>
> Good luck
> -=-
>
> "KEL2Hall" wrote:
>
> > I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to wipe
> > the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with the
> > computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> > trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> > microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had to
> > start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The most
> > recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to install
> > catalog files) and 0x8007F007
> >
> > I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> > said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed to
> > remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> > errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> > load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> > hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and SP2,
> > but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with networking
> > enabled but dont know what to do next.
> >
> > Can anyone please help me out?
> >
> >

How much preparation do I really need after a complete wipe of the Hard
drive? I am going to have to reinstall all of the antivirus and spyware
removal programs anyway, but dont you have to turn them off to install the
service packs? And shouldn't the reformat kill anything bad that was there to
bgin with?

I am a bit confused as to why all the articles say to use the windows update
service first, and tehre seem to be alll kinds of prerequisites for the SP2
and SP3 installs, but now you say i can go srtaight form SP1 to SP3? I was
about to get really happy about the idea fo skipping the headahe of sp2, but
then I saw that the download link for the SP3 installer is for networks, and
says not to use for a single computer.

Please know I am truly greatful for your input, I just don't want to screw
this up and be back at square one yet again.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> => First, format & reinstall WinXP again.
>
> Reference:
>
> 5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx
>
> => HOW TO get WinXP SP1 fully patched:
>
> 1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4
>
> [Yes, you can skip WinXP SP2 altogether.]
>
> 2. Read & heed:
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> 3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved file
> to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice when
> the install completes.
>
> 4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> 5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required software
> then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
> security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.
>
> [I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]
>
> 6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>
> Additional References:
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
> KEL2Hall wrote:
> > I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to
> > wipe
> > the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
> > the
> > computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2 months
> > trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
> > microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I had
> > to start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The
> > most
> > recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
> > install
> > catalog files) and 0x8007F007
> >
> > I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal wizard
> > said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it seemed
> > to
> > remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and IE
> > errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would not
> > load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing other
> > hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
> > SP2,
> > but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
> > networking enabled but dont know what to do next.
> >
> > Can anyone please help me out?
>
>

"KEL2Hall" <> wrote in message
news:9DAA7A52-146D-4D42-BD2A-...
> I'm not sure what you mean about making sure the computer was ready. The
> last
> time I reinstalled the operating system, I downloaded and installed all
> the
> updates recommeded by the Windows Update website or Automatic Updates, and
> even skipped the SP2 download a couple of times when it appeared with
> other
> updates. Problem is that nearly every group of updates had at least one
> failure that thad to be redone. Most did not require any special coding to
> get the instal to work the second time around, but SP2 remained a Booger.
>
> "Jim" wrote:
>
>>
>> "KEL2Hall" <> wrote in message
>> news:B238E8CA-2659-4CBA-B7EA-...
>> >I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to
>> >wipe
>> > the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
>> > the
>> > computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2
>> > months
>> > trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
>> > microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I
>> > had
>> > to
>> > start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The
>> > most
>> > recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
>> > install
>> > catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>> >
>> > I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal
>> > wizard
>> > said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it
>> > seemed
>> > to
>> > remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and
>> > IE
>> > errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would
>> > not
>> > load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing
>> > other
>> > hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
>> > SP2,
>> > but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
>> > networking
>> > enabled but dont know what to do next.
>> >
>> > Can anyone please help me out?
>> >
>> >
>> Error code 8007f007 means corrupt registry. I would start over because
>> there is no telling what else is wrong.
>>
>> Did you make certain that your computer was ready for SP2 before you
>> tried
>> to install it?
>>
>> Jim
>>
>>
>>
MS published a knowledge base article about necessary steps to take before
installing SP2. Sorry, I installed SP2 several years ago and do not
remember number of the article. One item of interest is that your computer
may need an update to the BIOS. Only the manufacturer of the system would
know whether it is needed or not.

In addition it is absolutely necessary to insure that the system is malware
free.

Jim

Replies inline---
"KEL2Hall" <> wrote in message
news:E284F94C-D881-4AF7-B294-...
> How much preparation do I really need after a complete wipe of the Hard
> drive? I am going to have to reinstall all of the antivirus and spyware
> removal programs anyway, but dont you have to turn them off to install the
> service packs? And shouldn't the reformat kill anything bad that was there
> to
> bgin with?
Yes, formatting the drive should be sufficient.
>
> I am a bit confused as to why all the articles say to use the windows
> update
> service first, and tehre seem to be alll kinds of prerequisites for the
> SP2
> and SP3 installs, but now you say i can go srtaight form SP1 to SP3? I
> was
> about to get really happy about the idea fo skipping the headahe of sp2,
> but
> then I saw that the download link for the SP3 installer is for networks,
> and
> says not to use for a single computer.
SP3 includes all of SP2. The consequence of this is that you must be
certain that your system includes all of the prerequisites for both service
packs.
You misunderstood the note about the SP3 installer. It just means that you
only need to download the full SP3 if you have more than one system to
update.
I bought the CD for SP3, and it worked quite well.
Jim
>
> Please know I am truly greatful for your input, I just don't want to screw
> this up and be back at square one yet again.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> => First, format & reinstall WinXP again.
>>
>> Reference:
>>
>> 5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx
>>
>> => HOW TO get WinXP SP1 fully patched:
>>
>> 1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4
>>
>> [Yes, you can skip WinXP SP2 altogether.]
>>
>> 2. Read & heed:
>> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>>
>> 3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved
>> file
>> to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice
>> when
>> the install completes.
>>
>> 4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>>
>> 5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required
>> software
>> then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
>> security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.
>>
>> [I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]
>>
>> 6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>>
>> Additional References:
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select
>> "Windows
>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>
>> KEL2Hall wrote:
>> > I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to
>> > wipe
>> > the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
>> > the
>> > computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2
>> > months
>> > trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
>> > microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I
>> > had
>> > to start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The
>> > most
>> > recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
>> > install
>> > catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>> >
>> > I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal
>> > wizard
>> > said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it
>> > seemed
>> > to
>> > remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and
>> > IE
>> > errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would
>> > not
>> > load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing
>> > other
>> > hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
>> > SP2,
>> > but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
>> > networking enabled but dont know what to do next.
>> >
>> > Can anyone please help me out?
>>
>>

You can't use Windows Update if you're running WinXP SP1(a). Just follow
the instructions in my last reply and all should be well. Don't overthink
it, just do it exactly as listed.

KEL2Hall wrote:
> How much preparation do I really need after a complete wipe of the Hard
> drive? I am going to have to reinstall all of the antivirus and spyware
> removal programs anyway, but dont you have to turn them off to install the
> service packs? And shouldn't the reformat kill anything bad that was there
> to bgin with?
>
> I am a bit confused as to why all the articles say to use the windows
> update
> service first, and tehre seem to be alll kinds of prerequisites for the
> SP2
> and SP3 installs, but now you say i can go srtaight form SP1 to SP3? I
> was
> about to get really happy about the idea fo skipping the headahe of sp2,
> but
> then I saw that the download link for the SP3 installer is for networks,
> and
> says not to use for a single computer.
>
> Please know I am truly greatful for your input, I just don't want to screw
> this up and be back at square one yet again.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> => First, format & reinstall WinXP again.
>>
>> Reference:
>>
>> 5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx
>>
>> => HOW TO get WinXP SP1 fully patched:
>>
>> 1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4
>>
>> [Yes, you can skip WinXP SP2 altogether.]
>>
>> 2. Read & heed:
>> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>>
>> 3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved
>> file
>> to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice
>> when the install completes.
>>
>> 4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>>
>> 5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required
>> software
>> then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
>> security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.
>>
>> [I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]
>>
>> 6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>>
>> Additional References:
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select
>> "Windows
>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>
>> KEL2Hall wrote:
>>> I have a windows XP system that was stuck in a reboot loop so I had to
>>> wipe
>>> the hard drive and reinstall XP. The system Restore disk that came with
>>> the
>>> computer had XP SP1, so I have spent all my weekends for the last 2
>>> months
>>> trying to get sp2 installed, with no luck. Most of the fixes I found on
>>> microsoft website eventually just started the reboot loop again, and I
>>> had
>>> to start over. I just ran spyware removers and antvirus last night. The
>>> most
>>> recent failure codes for the SP2 install were 0X8007F01E (failed to
>>> install
>>> catalog files) and 0x8007F007
>>>
>>> I had problems uninstalling the last failed SP2 packet (the removal
>>> wizard
>>> said: system cannot find the file specified) but after a reboot it
>>> seemed
>>> to
>>> remove successfully. However now, I am having random reboot isssues and
>>> IE
>>> errors that shut the browser down. Then the windows update page would
>>> not
>>> load. I saw a post somehere about partial downloads of SP2 allowing
>>> other
>>> hotfixes to install prematurely so you end up with a hybrid of SP1 and
>>> SP2,
>>> but I cant find it again. I am currently running in safe mode with
>>> networking enabled but dont know what to do next.
>>>
>>> Can anyone please help me out?