XP problems - how to re-install ?

I've several postings on the "SP2 Update Comments" section of the XP discussions at the BBS site since yesterday morning. I did the SP2 installation then and the computer hasn't been the same since. I've still not been able to get a handle on the problems I'm having. (a) the system is very, very, slow (takes 1 minute or so when I click on an icon before program loads), (b) can't access sites like MyYahoo, Dell Support, and others that have IDs and passwords to get into the account (maybe a IE problem), (c) system restore isn't working (but I'm not sure it was before the SP2 installation). I've not been able to 'uninstall' SP2 since it doesn't appear on the "install/uninstall" program in control panel.

I'm at wits end - and after spending almost 36 hours trying to sort this out, am thinking of re-installing the XP from the CD I have. Can I do this without losing the various files I've created witn Word, Excel and other program? What other concerns do I have about re-installing XP?

I'll greatly appreciate input by others.

 

You're in trouble, but the solution is simple. Back-ups are necessary in any situation.

I'd get another hard disk and hook it up as slave or cable select, depending on how the present drive is jumpered, and copy all important data files to the slave before proceeding (I do that with the case open and on it's side, and the disk just attached by the power and data cables, being careful not to short the electronics - turn the disk up-side-down with the circuit board up).
Disconnect from the mains and ground your computer and yourself before attaching and unattaching ANY hardware!

Afterwards, when your data is safe and the extra disk is disconnected, you can try an upgrade or repair re-install which may preserve your data, but I don't know whether that'll solve your problem with sp2 installed. A fresh install might be necessary.

First I'd investigate the /noexecute parameter in your boot.ini (in the root of c:\) especially going here:
"1.Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
2.Click the Advanced tab. Then, under Performance, click Settings.
3.Click the Data Execution Prevention tab. "
and selecting whatever you feel is appropriate. Or edit boot.ini and replace 'optin' with 'optout' or 'alwaysoff'.

See what effect that has on your problem and let us know.

 

Readers should also be aware of this thread
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?p=186397&posted=1#post186397

 

I went to SYSTEM / Advanced / Performance / Settings and checked the Data Execution Prevention tab. It was already set to 'prevent' only certain programs - (ie, not all).

I'm not sure how to go about 'editing' the "boot.ini" registry. If you think it is worthwhile, perhaps you can lay out the steps?

I'm thinking that I'm going to have to copy info to disks and go ahead with a re-installation. I've no concern about copying "my documents" and other files of this type. I'm not sure I know how to copy e-mails that are stored in "Outlook Express ". (Where can I get info on this?)

The disk I have is a Dell disk that came with the computer and it says, "OPERATING SYSTEM, Reinstallation CD, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition ". I'm assuming it will be adequte to re-install XP. Where can I obtain "step by step" instructions as to how to go about this?

Thanks in advance.

 

fantasma,

I do this in notepad; back up the file first (copy it to a different folder). I'd replace optin with alwaysoff assuming you don't have an AMD64 CPU.

Can't hurt; worst that can happen is you may have to reinstall anyway.

 

Thanks for the information. I'll copy it so I can have it when I need it.

I've been able to resolve the problem through discussions with Microsoft (help chat). They were able to give me the DOS command to do an Uninstall. I uninstalled the SP2 and things are back like they were previously.
Microsoft said I definately had a 'bad installation' since the update did not show up in the "Add/Remove Software" area on the control panel.

I've requested a CD for the SP2 and won't reinstall it until I have the disk.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

You dodged a bullet this time. The lesson you should glean from this experience is how much you need to have a good backup image of your drive. With that you can restore your drive to a health state without reinstalling with that OEM Restore disk, which may hoses all your personal files, not to mention losing all the updates and service packs.

Good luck.

 

fantasma--

If it is not too much to relate, can you tell us what the instructions were?
Good for you in calling MS!!!

 

to uninstall SP2 in DOS:

C:\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe

(it could be the "Service" above is only "Servic" but I don't think so.)

It took be about 18 hours to resolve this problem. If I would have located this command earlier, I would have saved a lot of time. When MS realized the update was not listed on the 'add/remove' function on control panel, they knew it was a bad installation.

 

oops ...

I see I entered a space in last few letters....
last part should read:

..... \spuninst\spuninst.exe

 

Many thanks. I understand you did this from a Start|Run|type cmd|OK window rather than just clicking on the spuninst.exe file.
Certainly glad to hear your travails are over.

 

That's correct, I did it from the RUN section of START menu. I worked just fine. Took about 90 minutes to uninstall it, however. So far, no glitches have developed.

 

You didn't do it. The forum software chokes on a single string (no spaces) and just inserts a space. Nothing we've been able to do will stop it so we just put up with it.

C:\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe
ThisLineShouldBehaveInExactly\TheSameFashion\andInsert\A_SpaceAtSomePoint

 

And, if I remember correctly, Newt, it was you and Joe who pointed out how to work around those accidental breaks.

Code:

You said to wrap the string in code tags?  That would be the pound sign above, third from the right on the toolbar.

Johanna

 

See #3

 

Been There Done That... This is what I did after I tried system restore, and then couldn't get back into windows to backup my files. I successfully uninstalled SP2, got back into windows, backed up my files, wiped my drive and reinstalled XP and then made sure my drivers and updates were installed and ready to recieve SP2.

I had to creat a set of boot floppies
How to obtain Windows XP Setup boot disks
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=310994

Then I followed the directions using the floppies and recovery console
How to Use Recovery Console - (making sure to print out the directions before you start)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=307654

Then proceeded to remove SP2 (again print out the directions) How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;875350&Product=winxp

After all this, I was able to get back into my files and back them all up on CDRWs.

My next step was to wipe my drive clean, knocking down the partition and then doing a fresh instal. After removing SP2, although I got back into Windows, it was obvious that the OS was not working well - so, it was best to start fresh.

So, I hope that this info may help others who are struggling with SP2. Whew, five days of frustration but it was worth it in the end!

IMPORTANT: Before installing SP2 on the fresh XP, I went to the manufacturers site of my components and made sure all the driver updates and fixes are installed as there were ones specific to SP2 installation. The one I missed the first time was an update to system restore - if that had been installed, this whole process may have not been neccessary.

I now have SP2 reinstalled and things seem to be running fine.


Have a Great Day
Beamuse a.k.a. Beacauz