XP with SVC PACK 2 Installed

[FerrisBuller]

I'm new to the site so I'm hoping someone can help me with a service pack 2 question... I have a Gateway E Series, Pentium 4, running Windows XP. Service Pack 2 was installed over Service Pack 1a. I am able to log in with no problem. After I log in, the desktop background appears and the system just hangs there... I've rebooted and tried for two days with no luck. I did press F8 and start in safe mode, however, i get a black backgroung with a border of white letters: "Windows XP Service Pack 2" I have also tried, in safe mode, "Last Known Good Configuration". I then cold boot the system, and again, the desktop background appears with no icons on the desktop. The mouse pointer is visible, but that's all.

Aside from reloading the system, is there something I have not tried that maybe someone with more experience might be able to pass along? I'm sort of a newbie and would really appreciate any and all assistance.

Thanks,

Ferris.

 

[mechBgon]

I would do this:

1) uninstall Service Pack 2. ways to remove it

2) scan the system with up-to-date antivirus software and antispyware software (resources here for those purposes) and remove what it finds

3) ensure the system now boots up normally

4) download the whole SP2 installer from here

5) reboot into Safe Mode and now install SP2 in Safe Mode.


Any good?

 

[FerrisBuller]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I would do this:

1) uninstall Service Pack 2. ways to remove it

2) scan the system with up-to-date antivirus software and antispyware software (resources here for those purposes) and remove what it finds

3) ensure the system now boots up normally

4) download the whole SP2 installer from here

5) reboot into Safe Mode and now install SP2 in Safe Mode.


Any good?

mechBgon,

Man, I really appreciate the advice!!! It's a work computer and I'm getting kicked out of the building for now.... Shutting down the power and testing generators. I'll email you tomorrow and see if it works.

Again... many thanks!!!

Ferris.

 

[Banana]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I would do this:

1) uninstall Service Pack 2. . . .

How does he do that if he can't even get into Windows? Not being a smartass, just wondering because I'm about to install SP2 myself and want to know!

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Banana

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I would do this:

1) uninstall Service Pack 2. . . .

How does he do that if he can't even get into Windows? Not being a smartass, just wondering because I'm about to install SP2 myself and want to know!

That is an intelligent question. One way is to use the Recovery Console, which is why I made sure to add that "ways to remove SP2" link that talks about it.

 

[FerrisBuller]

Originally posted by: Banana

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I would do this:

1) uninstall Service Pack 2. . . .

How does he do that if he can't even get into Windows? Not being a smartass, just wondering because I'm about to install SP2 myself and want to know!

The only way I'll be able to remove SVC PCK2 will be through the recovery console. Since I do not have a taskbar, no Start, Run, etc. I'll let you know if it works, otherwise we'll have to reload the system.