Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart

Subject: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: GUEST,Tootler on his laptop
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:04 PM

My desktop computer has just installed win XP service pack 3 and now the computer will not start up.

It gets as far as the WinXP start up screen - the one with the scrolling blue bars then crashes. If you leave the computer alone, it tries to restart and falls over again at the same place - in effect it is stuck in a continuous loop.

I can start the computer in safe mode, but when I try to call up the control panel to see if I can uninstall SP3, the computer just hangs, so I am stuck.

If I cannot retrieve, I suspect it is a matter of reinstalling Windows but I would prefer not to go down that road as I will have to reinstall all my programs which is a pain to say the least.

Anyone else had major problems with SP 3 - I did see the other thread about problems with Flash, but this is much more serious - then any sensible suggestions welcomed

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Greg B
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:06 PM

Known issue--- especially with certain AMD boxes built by,
I think, HP.

There's a lot of chatter about it on the internet; Google the
issue.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Jim Lad
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:18 PM

Put your installation disc in the drive.
Press F1
Go into Boot Up menu.
Then there's a "Boot Order" section (I'm not going in to find out exactly what it's called)
Select CD Rom as your first device.
F 10
Then "Press any key" when prompted.
No need to re install.
Just do a repair start up or repair installation.
If you've just added another hard drive, by the way, disconnect or reformat it. It may be buggering you up.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 06:03 PM

Easier than that (and safer)...

Boot into Safe Mode, log in as administrator, when offered the start options select 'no' to go into the list of system restore points, and select a time and date immediately before the update.

This will roll you back to where you were before it went 'orribly wrong, then you will be able to research the problem with a machine that is working!

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Tootler
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:36 PM

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

In fact I booted into Safe Mode and, after a couple of false starts, I found the uninstal files for SP3 and removed it. As a precaution when I restarted, I set the system restore to the time just before the installation of SP3. Computer seems to be OK now (fingers crossed).

I do have a AMD processor. The computer is a Compaq which I think is owned by HP, though I bought it just before the HP take over of Compaq. Nevertheless it seems the best thing is to leave SP3 off for the time being.



Geoff

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 09:46 PM

I had read an article about this, and still I had this problem when I installed SP3 on one of the office computers. Windows Automatic Update offered to install Service Pack 3, so I accepted - and immediately got that sinking feeling that I had screwed up. I had installed SP3 on a number of computers with Intel processors, so I forgot about this glitch with the AMD processor.

The problem is that HP/Compaq got careless when installing Windows XP in the first place, and left it set for an Intel processor, even on computers with AMD.

So, what ya gotta do is go to HP and download the patch that sets Windows XP to recognize the AMD processor. If you haven't installed XP Service Pack 3, install the patch first. If you goofed like I did and get stuck in the reboot loop, reboot in SAFE Mode and then install the patch. When you reboot again, everything should be hunky-dory in normal mode.

This link will lead you to the patch:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=pv-60484-2&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 08:50 AM

I got the automatic update and started to download it and then cancelled, remembering problems with the XP2.

Am I ok with my Dell? on't know what AMD is or if I've got it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Bernard
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 12:40 PM

If you've got an Intel sticker on the front you've NOT got an AMD processor... anyway, I don't think there are any issues with Dells.

It's only a bit inconvenient for an hour or so if it doesn't work - make sure you've printed this thread off before you start, and you'll know how to back track out of it.

I prefer not to use Windoze Update to install it - I downloaded an ISO file from Micro$haft which made a CDRom installer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 03:00 PM

Please forgive me Guest Tootler, for an apparent attempt to "hi-jak" your thread but seeing that you have enlisted the assistance of "BERNARD" who was previously of help to me in a tech problem I have to ask him if he can be of assistance once again.
Bernard, when you have finished your advice to Tootler could you advise me.
I have already put up a thread seeking aid but was unable to carry out the instructions given.
You see I cannot get past the "Password" to access my old Desk Top Dell PC which runs Windows XP Pro from some 3 -4 yrs ago. Even though I type in the correct password I am asked , everytime, if I have forgotten it and when I click on the ? I get a hint that means nothing. That end bit could be my own fault as my password is a Gaelic word.I hadn't used the old "machine" for many months
Is there any cure that I can administer myself, or do I need to go to the "repairman" ??
I will be very grateful for any help offerede.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Tootler
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 03:04 PM

Windows update works fine most of the time. It does slow your computer down, though, so I usually set it to install on shut down.

I had not been aware of the AMD issue nor had I realised the update was SP3 until it was too late - unfortunately.

I have downloaded the patch from the HP website and will try again. At least I now know how to retrieve the situation. The frustration at not knowing what was wrong somewhat spoiled my evening at a local folk club. I certainly was not at my best :-(

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: nutty
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 03:30 PM

You were fine ... Tootler. Far better than me. Glad the problems solved. Don't you just love these folks on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Tootler
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 05:38 PM

Yes, they're generally great - except when arguing about "What is folk?" <g>

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: Joe Offer
Date: 07 Sep 08 - 10:51 PM

Hi, Wilbyhillbilly-
If you have a Dell computer, you should be OK installing Windows XP Service Pack 3, although some Dell owners have experienced problems. It feels almost like we need two computers - one as a main computer, and one as a backup if we screw up the first.

To see if you have an AMD processor, go to "My Computer," and then click on "view system information" on the left-hand side of the window that pops up. If you have a Pentium (Intel) microprocessor, you should have no problem with Service Pack 3. If you have an AMD microprocessor, go to your computer manufacturer's Website, select "support," and serarch for XP Service Pack 3.

Most times, Service Pack 3 installs with no problems. I installed it on half a dozen computers, and had problems only on 1.

Good luck.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP SP3 - Computer won't restart
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 08 Sep 08 - 12:54 AM

Thanks Joe, it seems I have a Pentium so here goes, fingers crossed.

Sigh......if only I were 50 years younger I would know more about these new-fangled things called computers, it wasn't like this in my day, people had pencil and paper that was a lot better........!!!