WinXP SP2 - Install refuses to complete

[stargazer777]

I hate sounding like a broken record, as I have begun many initial posts by saying this, but . . . I did a forum search for my problem and just couldn't quite find the 'same thing'.

My problem involves SP2 for WinXP Pro . . . but the threads I found pretty much dealt with software apps clashing with SP2 after it had been installed.

In my case, I cannot get the installation to complete. I clicked on the .EXE file I downloaded from the M$ site, it launched fine, opened the CAB files etc., then started a scan of my system configuration (as the install window said).

That sequence finished, and then it said it was beginning actual installation. The installation progress bar got *approximately* halfway done, and then hung. I let things sit for a long time (20+ mins.) just in case it needed extra time . . . but it was then apparent that it was indeed hung.

I could do nothing to get out of the install mode, and a normal-style Shutdown refused to work -- all I could do was a hard power-off.

When I restarted the PC, a message told me that the WinXP SP2 install failed to complete because my system was in an 'unstable condition' (or similar words to that effect).

Please read my following notes before replying:
1.) Regarding the previous paragraph, I had hitherto never gotten *any* messages about an unstable system. I had had no serious problems aside from a spyware/hijacker infestation, which I verified several times over that it had been successfully eradicated.

2.) Enlarging on my last statement, I did a series of exhaustive spyware and virus scans to be sure the system was clean, before attempting to install SP2.

3.) I don't suspect a bad download -- I have a very fast cable connection and the download finished very quickly.

4.) I noticed some posts in which those offering help suggested a test of the RAM memory. I just can't see it being a RAM problem, as I have had **no other anomalies** pointing to that, previous to this SP2 problem.

One thing I just thought of:
I previously (just a few months ago) did a new install of Win XP Pro, without removing the previous installation, so now I have a WINDOWS folder and a WINDOWS2 folder. This prompts several questions:
1.) Could having two installations of WinXP Pro be confusing the SP2 install wizard ? (And is this causing the message about my system being 'unstable' ?)
2.) Must I/should I get rid of the earlier install of WinXP Pro ?
3.) If "YES" to #2, then can I do just that, or must I wipe the C: partition completely clean and start all over ? (bleah )

Some of this may sound ignorant, but I've had a week or so of nights with 2-3 hours of sleep :P .... heh. So, I may be overlooking something obvious ....

Thanks in advance,
Dave in Virginia

[Steve R Jones]

"When I restarted the PC, a message told me that the WinXP SP2 install failed to complete."

I was just here last week with a co-workers pc. I also got a message that said some things did get updated...I spent a couple of hours messing with the pc...

I could have copied important stuff off and reformatted/reinstalled in the same amount of time AND ended up with a nice running pc. (will be doing this tomorrow)

You might want to consider doing this too.

[stargazer777]

Thanks, Steve -

I am rapidly headed for the decision to just wipe things clean and reinstall (again ..... sigh). It isn't my favorite thing, but in considering it, it seems FAR less of a chore than trying to tweak and fiddle with things, and "coddle" SP2 to get it to do what it's supposed to. I'll probably do a partition reformat and reinstallation of WinXP tomorrow night.

Cheers,
Dave in Virginia

[dinjo]

Hi stargazer777,
I totally agree with Steve, a reformat is the best solution. When you got a overwrite of XP its impossible to find out what is stopping the install of SP 2.
I have found that the best way to go is reinstall XP, install the chipset drivers, then the display drivers and then install SP2. if you follow this sequence and then start installing your programs you'll be able to see if any of them clash with SP2.
This is the way I do it and I never have any probs.

Regards

Dinjo

[SuperSparks]

Yes, I too think that this is one of those occasions where a fromat and clean install is the best way to go. But rather than doing a clean install of XP and then installing SP2, you might want to consider slipstreaming SP2 and doing the whole lot in one go. You'll save some drive space by slipstreaming as well.


It really isn't difficult to make a slipstream CD, here's how:

Slipstreamed Windows XP CD

[stargazer777]

Thanks to all for your replies and help . . .

SuperSparks: I went to the site you provided a link for, to create a "slipstream" XP install CD.

I created the folders exactly as the site outlines, with the same exact names.

Then I went into Start>Run and followed instructions EXACTLY. I received an error message telling me it was a bad path or something.

Please find ATTACHED a .JPG screenshot showing that I entered the command in START>RUN exactly as specified. The lower "RUN" command window is mine.

***Since I can only attach one image to each VDr. post, I am posting another reply so I can attach a second image, which is a screenshot showing the error message.

Please glance at the image files and let me know what you think might be the problem, and what can be done.

Thank you again . . .

- Dave in Virginia

[stargazer777]

SuperSparks:

Please find ATTACHED the second screenshot image, showing the error message I received while creating the WinXP "slipstream" CD.

- Dave

[DrMDJ]

You did copy the entire contents (though this is really not necessary) to the C:\XP directory, maintaining the directory structure from the CD?

How much free hard drive space do you have?

[stargazer777]

Originally posted by DrMDJ
You did copy the entire contents (though this is really not necessary) to the C:\XP directory, maintaining the directory structure from the CD?

Yes, an identical CD image, with full directory structure.

How much free hard drive space do you have?

Plenty . . . it is a 160 GB drive and has about 120 GB free.

- Dave

[stargazer777]

Current problem SOLVED!

OK, when I copied the Win XP CD over, the main directory titled "WXPOEM_EN" was also copied. Whether it was supposed to be copied over or not, the fact remains that, when I removed it and moved all other folders directly under C:\XP, and then tried the original command in START>RUN, everything worked fine!
=================================

Now I have a NEW problem ....

Progressing through the instructions on the Slipstream CD creation site, I arrived at the point where you set up the CD burning software. The site offers instructions for either Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator 6, -or- Nero. Mine happens to be Roxio Easy CD Creator 7.

When I get to the window "Choosing Type of Bootable Disc", I'm supposed to see the option "No Emulation" from the drop-down list, but the ONLY choice offered is "Floppy Disk Emulation (1.44 MB)".

I can't just ignore this step, I have to select something, and of course I cannot go with floppy disk emulation . . . where do I go from here ?

As always, many thanks in advance . . .

- Dave

[DrMDJ]

My understanding is that Easy Media Creator V7 can't be used to create the necessary bootable cd (like previous versions could). For some reason they took out the capability. Some one can correct me if I wrong on this.

As an alternative you can try using something like Autostreamer to generate a burnable ISO image of a slipstreamed XP SP2 cd, then burn that with your Easy Media Creator.

[stargazer777]

Thanks for your comments, Doc . . .

However, the term "burnable ISO image" is completely "uncharted waters" for me. I'll need you or *someone* to provide more detailed instructions (i.e. step-by-step).

Perhaps there is a link for this procedure, as with the one I tried previously ? Thanks again ....

- Dave

[DrMDJ]

An ISO is a file that is a byte-for-byte image of the contents of a cd. It is ready to burn, no alteration is needed. CD burning programs will have an option to burn an "image" (rather than a compilation, etc). When done running that procedure/tool I suggested you should be left with an ISO file which is an image of a slipstreamed (and bootable) XP SP2 CD. You would then use Easy Media Creater, select the proper option to burn a cd from an image, and point it at the ISO you created.

[stargazer777]

Doc (and all) . . .

I suddenly remembered I had my older Roxio Creator 5 installed. I picked up where I had left off, and finished the Slipstream CD creation procedures using Creator 5. It *seems* to have worked flawlessly ..... the CD fires right up under Autorun

Thanks for the help, I will try wiping the C: partition off and installing WinXP using the Slipstream CD over the weekend, and will post back afterwards.

Cheers,
- Dave

[stargazer777]

All -

Regarding my previous post, can anyone point me to an instructional thread here on VDr., or an online tutorial, which outlines the BEST procedures for wiping a drive/partition clean and reformatting, prior to (re)installing WinXP Pro ? (keep in mind I am preparing to use a Slipstream XP CD).

I'm just wondering if one set of procedures, commands, etc. would leave the drive/partition more "squeakily clean" and better prepped than another method.

Along these lines, I understand it is better to use utilities from WinXP itself to prep the HDD, as opposed to FDISK commands or something.

Thanks again . . .

- Dave