Problems with Service Pack 2 to Windows XP
The service pack seemed to install properly and re-boot, and at the boot-up screen where Windows XP asked whether to turn 'automatic updates' on or off I chose off since I never want Windows to access the Internet without my permission.
The service pack seemed to install properly and re-boot, and at the boot-up screen where Windows XP asked whether to turn 'automatic updates' on or off I chose off since I never want Windows to access the Internet without my permission.
After the 'automatic updates' window disappeared there appeared a bright blue blank screen where Windows XP 'froze' for a half hour or so until I finally re-booted.
After re-boot Windows XP got to the login screen where I input my password as usual.
My chosen Windows XP background screen appeared but the desktop icons and task bars would not apppear.
I could bring up the Windows task manager window so I shut down Windows XP and the identical behavior appeared the next two times I tried booting up.
I booted into 'safe mode' and un-installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 using the 'Control Panel-Add or remove programs' function.
It is fortunate that I am distrustful of Internet updates and always download update programs that can be removed and re-installed solely under my control.
My computer is now operating fine as it was before I installed service pack 2.
I concluded that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not ready for prime time yet.
After the 'automatic updates' window disappeared there appeared a bright blue blank screen where Windows XP 'froze' for a half hour or so until I finally re-booted.
After re-boot Windows XP got to the login screen where I input my password as usual.
My chosen Windows XP background screen appeared but the desktop icons and task bars would not apppear.
I could bring up the Windows task manager window so I shut down Windows XP and the identical behavior appeared the next two times I tried booting up.
I booted into 'safe mode' and un-installed Windows XP Service Pack 2 using the 'Control Panel-Add or remove programs' function.
It is fortunate that I am distrustful of Internet updates and always download update programs that can be removed and re-installed solely under my control.
My computer is now operating fine as it was before I installed service pack 2.
I concluded that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not ready for prime time yet.
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Do you by any chance use Norton products? I have two identical machines here at my home. One is using Mcafee products, and the other, Norton. The Mcafee machine installed SP2 without any problems, but the other gave me the exact same problems you are seeing. When I got to the desktop that was missing the Icons and TaskBar, I simply Ctrl-Alt-Del and rebooted. After that it was also working fine.
Mcafee and SP2 Rock. Norton Antivirus 2003 and SP2 suck big time.
Mcafee and SP2 Rock. Norton Antivirus 2003 and SP2 suck big time.
Ok here's an interesting problem that I've had trouble finding an answer to...
After installing SP2, everything seemed to work fine.
I soon discovered, however, that IE was acting strangely. I'd click on a link, and it either loads the page or just says "Done" at the bottom without loading. About 50% chance of either happening. Pages that were coded to open up into a new window opened blank and "Done." So for a few days, I just dealt with it. It'd take a couple clicks to open each link, but it was just annoying and not serious.
A few days after, I installed Firefox to see if that would be any different (to see if problem was IE itself or some type of new SP2 firewall or security issue). Same thing happened.
Anyone have any idea how I can fix this?
After installing SP2, everything seemed to work fine.
I soon discovered, however, that IE was acting strangely. I'd click on a link, and it either loads the page or just says "Done" at the bottom without loading. About 50% chance of either happening. Pages that were coded to open up into a new window opened blank and "Done." So for a few days, I just dealt with it. It'd take a couple clicks to open each link, but it was just annoying and not serious.
A few days after, I installed Firefox to see if that would be any different (to see if problem was IE itself or some type of new SP2 firewall or security issue). Same thing happened.
Anyone have any idea how I can fix this?
Originally posted by Roark:
Quote:Ok here's an interesting problem that I've had trouble finding an answer to...
After installing SP2, everything seemed to work fine.
I soon discovered, however, that IE was acting strangely. I'd click on a link, and it either loads the page or just says "Done" at the bottom without loading. About 50% chance of either happening. Pages that were coded to open up into a new window opened blank and "Done." So for a few days, I just dealt with it. It'd take a couple clicks to open each link, but it was just annoying and not serious.
A few days after, I installed Firefox to see if that would be any different (to see if problem was IE itself or some type of new SP2 firewall or security issue). Same thing happened.
Anyone have any idea how I can fix this?
Have you tried to disable the pop-up blocker in sp2?
Quote:Ok here's an interesting problem that I've had trouble finding an answer to...
After installing SP2, everything seemed to work fine.
I soon discovered, however, that IE was acting strangely. I'd click on a link, and it either loads the page or just says "Done" at the bottom without loading. About 50% chance of either happening. Pages that were coded to open up into a new window opened blank and "Done." So for a few days, I just dealt with it. It'd take a couple clicks to open each link, but it was just annoying and not serious.
A few days after, I installed Firefox to see if that would be any different (to see if problem was IE itself or some type of new SP2 firewall or security issue). Same thing happened.
Anyone have any idea how I can fix this?
Have you tried to disable the pop-up blocker in sp2?
I installed XP SP2 on my comp, no problems during install. When I rebooted, however, a black screen appeared with a selection of startup options (last known config, etc.). I selected normal startup and when it got to my bootskin screen (yes I already know about issues with bootskin), it froze. I restarted, the same option screen appeared and I chose 'last known config'. Since then I havent had any problems that I'm aware of with XP SP2.
My friend's comp is a COMPLETELY other story. I feel bad, cuz I suggested he download SP2. He got the exact same problem I originally had, except his never was able to load to Windows at all. We also have IDENTICAL systems, bought 5 months apart from the same computer shop. After we repaired Windows using the original XP disk, he did finally manage to get back in. XP SP1 seems to have installed itself over SP2 as it is not in the Add/Remove progs list. He's also experiencing a variety of problems now:
1. Brand new Syncmaster 19" LCD monitor is on the fritz, with an inch black bar on the right hand side (never occured before the SP2 install, and no idea what's causing it).
2. Internet Explorer crashes randomly.
3. Cannot access Control Panel, receiving an error message.
4. Windows loads abnormally long now.
5. Windows Media Player won't play video, only audio (again not a problem before the SP2 install).
After reading so many issues and frustrations with XP SP2, and taking into account my own experience, I can only conclude that these problems must be very widespread and this upgrade was definately not ready to be released. Microsoft doesn't care, they just want to make money, regardless. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding any of these problems? Thanks in advance...
Snake
My friend's comp is a COMPLETELY other story. I feel bad, cuz I suggested he download SP2. He got the exact same problem I originally had, except his never was able to load to Windows at all. We also have IDENTICAL systems, bought 5 months apart from the same computer shop. After we repaired Windows using the original XP disk, he did finally manage to get back in. XP SP1 seems to have installed itself over SP2 as it is not in the Add/Remove progs list. He's also experiencing a variety of problems now:
1. Brand new Syncmaster 19" LCD monitor is on the fritz, with an inch black bar on the right hand side (never occured before the SP2 install, and no idea what's causing it).
2. Internet Explorer crashes randomly.
3. Cannot access Control Panel, receiving an error message.
4. Windows loads abnormally long now.
5. Windows Media Player won't play video, only audio (again not a problem before the SP2 install).
After reading so many issues and frustrations with XP SP2, and taking into account my own experience, I can only conclude that these problems must be very widespread and this upgrade was definately not ready to be released. Microsoft doesn't care, they just want to make money, regardless. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding any of these problems? Thanks in advance...
Snake
Snakeplissken-
As far as the monitor is concerned, that behavor is likely to occur when the refresh rate of the monitor is set to the default of 60Hz. If you set it higher (72Hz, 75Hz, or 85Hz) it will likely go back to how you are used to seeing it.
As far as #2-5, since you're dealing with core OS components, it's likely there are severe version mismatches going on. Best bet? Back up personal data and reinstall the OS. Probably not worth the time and effort to try to "ressurect" the OS with that level of corruption.
Also, with a *free* Service Pack, Microsoft isn't making a dime. Actually, considering the long development time (I had my first beta build of SP2 last December, the 10th if I recall correctly) and R&D into security, I would actually say this Service Pack has cost Microsoft millions of dollars. Oh, and they're giving away free CDs of SP2, free shipping too. All of this adds to the cost.
As I said, I was a beta tester. There were probably about 100k beta testers, and several thousand more users downloaded the "Technicial Preview" build that was available to the public. However, it is IMPOSSIBLE to try to isolate every possible testing scenario prior to release. This is why (advanced) users are/were encouraged to download the preview release. You could have submitted feedback at that time as well.
And before you think I'm just a "fanboy" of Microsoft, I administer mostly Linux and IBM AIX servers at work.
As far as the monitor is concerned, that behavor is likely to occur when the refresh rate of the monitor is set to the default of 60Hz. If you set it higher (72Hz, 75Hz, or 85Hz) it will likely go back to how you are used to seeing it.
As far as #2-5, since you're dealing with core OS components, it's likely there are severe version mismatches going on. Best bet? Back up personal data and reinstall the OS. Probably not worth the time and effort to try to "ressurect" the OS with that level of corruption.
Also, with a *free* Service Pack, Microsoft isn't making a dime. Actually, considering the long development time (I had my first beta build of SP2 last December, the 10th if I recall correctly) and R&D into security, I would actually say this Service Pack has cost Microsoft millions of dollars. Oh, and they're giving away free CDs of SP2, free shipping too. All of this adds to the cost.
As I said, I was a beta tester. There were probably about 100k beta testers, and several thousand more users downloaded the "Technicial Preview" build that was available to the public. However, it is IMPOSSIBLE to try to isolate every possible testing scenario prior to release. This is why (advanced) users are/were encouraged to download the preview release. You could have submitted feedback at that time as well.
And before you think I'm just a "fanboy" of Microsoft, I administer mostly Linux and IBM AIX servers at work.
BSOD the Solution:
Did you install Service Pack 2? Are you now suffering from the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?. Here is the solution. I have spent 4 days hunting down the cause of my machine crashing and have finally cracked it. Maybe other people have a different cause than mine so my solution may not work for everyone.
After installing SP2 I suffered many crashes. In particular the Screen would turn blue and display a message starting "Bad_Pool_Header". And ending with STOP: 0X000000019....
Then my four day hunt for the cause started.
BSOD Solution
Basically I found two causes of the BSOD.
Cause 1: Corrupted file or folder.
Cause 2: Microsoft Indexing Service
Possibly these two causes are linked.
Solution for Cause 1
Onen up Explore (right click the start button), and expand your directory tree, starting from the C: drive. Click on each folder in turn and see if any cause the BSOD to appear. If so, reboot, and simply attempt to copy the folder, and then delete it.
Solution for Cause No 2
Switch off Microsoft's indexing service. You can do this by clicking the start button, select "Run", then type "msconfig", then select the "Services" TAB, scroll down to the Indexing Service and Switch it off. Reboot your computer, and good luck - maybe it will work, It solved the problem for me.
At first I thought I must have a third party software or hardware conflicting with SP2, but even after I had disconnected the internet, switched off all items in the startup TAB of msconfig, was still getting the BSOD. I tried surface scans, chkdsk, scan disk etc all to no avail. I tried defragmenting the disk, but the frequent crashes may have made things worse.
I discovered the computer was now crashing after about 7.5 minutes of being switched on. It did not matter whether anyone logged in or not.
Finally I went to msconfig (Start Run, MSCONFIG) and switched off "process System.ini files, Load System files, Load Startup Items. And the comuter stopped crashing. So then I added the item back one by one until I discovered the Microsoft Corporation Indexing Service which was causing the crash. I switched it off and switched everything else back on and AT LAST... No more BSODbold textbold textbold textbold textunderlined textunderlined text
Did you install Service Pack 2? Are you now suffering from the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?. Here is the solution. I have spent 4 days hunting down the cause of my machine crashing and have finally cracked it. Maybe other people have a different cause than mine so my solution may not work for everyone.
After installing SP2 I suffered many crashes. In particular the Screen would turn blue and display a message starting "Bad_Pool_Header". And ending with STOP: 0X000000019....
Then my four day hunt for the cause started.
BSOD Solution
Basically I found two causes of the BSOD.
Cause 1: Corrupted file or folder.
Cause 2: Microsoft Indexing Service
Possibly these two causes are linked.
Solution for Cause 1
Onen up Explore (right click the start button), and expand your directory tree, starting from the C: drive. Click on each folder in turn and see if any cause the BSOD to appear. If so, reboot, and simply attempt to copy the folder, and then delete it.
Solution for Cause No 2
Switch off Microsoft's indexing service. You can do this by clicking the start button, select "Run", then type "msconfig", then select the "Services" TAB, scroll down to the Indexing Service and Switch it off. Reboot your computer, and good luck - maybe it will work, It solved the problem for me.
At first I thought I must have a third party software or hardware conflicting with SP2, but even after I had disconnected the internet, switched off all items in the startup TAB of msconfig, was still getting the BSOD. I tried surface scans, chkdsk, scan disk etc all to no avail. I tried defragmenting the disk, but the frequent crashes may have made things worse.
I discovered the computer was now crashing after about 7.5 minutes of being switched on. It did not matter whether anyone logged in or not.
Finally I went to msconfig (Start Run, MSCONFIG) and switched off "process System.ini files, Load System files, Load Startup Items. And the comuter stopped crashing. So then I added the item back one by one until I discovered the Microsoft Corporation Indexing Service which was causing the crash. I switched it off and switched everything else back on and AT LAST... No more BSODbold textbold textbold textbold textunderlined textunderlined text
I stopped reading the posts in this thread after the 4th or 5th one and basically skimmed thru the rest but there seems to be alot of people out there having problems with the upgrade, I HAD NONE!
I did experience some slowdown before the SECOND reboot (prolly due to PF stuff, etc.) but after that all was fine, EXCEPT:
the Task Scheduler is no longer reliable (on my machine anyway).
Symantec acknowledges a problem on their end with Norton AV being kicked off from the SP2 scheduler and is working on it but my Ace Utilities and even Ntbackup no longer kickoff reliably even though I have deleted the old entries and reactivated new ones for each application.
That being said, I see no difference for the non-networked home user (I am standalone), including NO SYSTEM DEGRADATION but NO VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS either! Then again, perhaps improvements working at the same system speed as before, albeit unbeknownst to me, is an improvement in itself.
Bottom line, they really need to fix the Task Scheduler problem but other than that, no difference to me so I'll suffer (perform manual kickoffs) until the fixes come versus uninstalling SP2... but to each his own.
G/L.
I did experience some slowdown before the SECOND reboot (prolly due to PF stuff, etc.) but after that all was fine, EXCEPT:
the Task Scheduler is no longer reliable (on my machine anyway).
Symantec acknowledges a problem on their end with Norton AV being kicked off from the SP2 scheduler and is working on it but my Ace Utilities and even Ntbackup no longer kickoff reliably even though I have deleted the old entries and reactivated new ones for each application.
That being said, I see no difference for the non-networked home user (I am standalone), including NO SYSTEM DEGRADATION but NO VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS either! Then again, perhaps improvements working at the same system speed as before, albeit unbeknownst to me, is an improvement in itself.
Bottom line, they really need to fix the Task Scheduler problem but other than that, no difference to me so I'll suffer (perform manual kickoffs) until the fixes come versus uninstalling SP2... but to each his own.
G/L.
Interesting that you mention the Task Scheduler, it is supposed to have some new functionality, but I haven't yet had a chance to check it out in depth yet.
I'd like to verify what peterh said earlier in this thread:
Sometimes it takes a LONG time for SP 2 to finalize after the initial reboot.
I had a user today who called me up freaking out because her machine was now just sitting at a blank windows screen after login. No icons, no task tray.
After reading this thread I told her to just login and let it sit at that blank windows screen for 15-30 minutes. Sure enough, 15 minutes later she called me back and reported that it finished whatever it was up[censored] and everything came up normaly.
Sometimes it takes a LONG time for SP 2 to finalize after the initial reboot.
I had a user today who called me up freaking out because her machine was now just sitting at a blank windows screen after login. No icons, no task tray.
After reading this thread I told her to just login and let it sit at that blank windows screen for 15-30 minutes. Sure enough, 15 minutes later she called me back and reported that it finished whatever it was up[censored] and everything came up normaly.
XP SP2 is flawed, I have sevral computers at different locations, that re not communicating and some not connecting to the network domain any more.
Wireless networking in a peer to peer environment is almost impossible, especially if you share an internet connection.
NetSpy cafe management software from Cyberage Systems, identifies XP SP2 as a definite no if you currently plan to use their software, it dows not even allow their software to install.
Remote installation of software is not functioning.
And the list goes on.
Dont use it unless you are in the cutting edge of technology and do not require to use software like Norton's Antivirus and NetSpy.
Did I mention that Norton's Antivirus 2004 Professional does not update the Application module due to SP2. Also you will notice a major slow down of your system, if NAV2004 is installed.
Best shot wait for the next release of XP SP2x which should address these problems.
Wireless networking in a peer to peer environment is almost impossible, especially if you share an internet connection.
NetSpy cafe management software from Cyberage Systems, identifies XP SP2 as a definite no if you currently plan to use their software, it dows not even allow their software to install.
Remote installation of software is not functioning.
And the list goes on.
Dont use it unless you are in the cutting edge of technology and do not require to use software like Norton's Antivirus and NetSpy.
Did I mention that Norton's Antivirus 2004 Professional does not update the Application module due to SP2. Also you will notice a major slow down of your system, if NAV2004 is installed.
Best shot wait for the next release of XP SP2x which should address these problems.
Just came across this Microsoft KB article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;885626
Your computer stops responding when you restart to complete the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article discusses how to resolve an issue where your computer stops responding (hangs) when you restart to complete the installation of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. This issue occurs on a limited number of systems that use a version of basic input/output system (BIOS) that does not have production support for Intel Pentium 4 and Intel Celeron D processors based on the Prescott C-0 stepping.
And the link to download the patch:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...;DisplayLang=en
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;885626
Your computer stops responding when you restart to complete the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article discusses how to resolve an issue where your computer stops responding (hangs) when you restart to complete the installation of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. This issue occurs on a limited number of systems that use a version of basic input/output system (BIOS) that does not have production support for Intel Pentium 4 and Intel Celeron D processors based on the Prescott C-0 stepping.
And the link to download the patch:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...;DisplayLang=en
Originally posted by Alec§taar:
Quote:Boy, I don't KNOW if I want to install this XP SP #2, if I EVER even run XP again... I like good ole' Windows 2000 plenty to be quite blunt about it!APK
now installed, clean, on 8 machines at work, this machine (beta build) and my wifes old laptop.
ZERO problems
it's slightly less fat than sp1 (as far as rescoures) so it runs better on the old p3 600 x 256 laptop than sp1. it's got better driver support for the old stuff and as far as the engineering stations it runs faster than sp1 on long crunching cycles. java seems to interface better so less hangups with vm and java fighting things out.
the old problem with properly dealing with scsi drives seems to have been fixed and thru put has jumped even on this older u160.
norton corp av hasnt shown any of the temperament that i saw with sp1 either, and im not seeing the goofy little problems i was having with my wireless network here at home.
all in all it's not a bad service pack when installed clean. ms did a bangup job
Quote:Boy, I don't KNOW if I want to install this XP SP #2, if I EVER even run XP again... I like good ole' Windows 2000 plenty to be quite blunt about it!APK
now installed, clean, on 8 machines at work, this machine (beta build) and my wifes old laptop.
ZERO problems
it's slightly less fat than sp1 (as far as rescoures) so it runs better on the old p3 600 x 256 laptop than sp1. it's got better driver support for the old stuff and as far as the engineering stations it runs faster than sp1 on long crunching cycles. java seems to interface better so less hangups with vm and java fighting things out.
the old problem with properly dealing with scsi drives seems to have been fixed and thru put has jumped even on this older u160.
norton corp av hasnt shown any of the temperament that i saw with sp1 either, and im not seeing the goofy little problems i was having with my wireless network here at home.
all in all it's not a bad service pack when installed clean. ms did a bangup job
I too downloaded the service pack and at first, my printer wouldn't work. Apparently I need a new driver update, exceot Canon hasn't issues one yet for my dinosaur.
But then this am, after trying to correct the driver issue, when I went to reboot, it froze.... unplugged for 10 sec, rebooot, same deal. Took six times to get rebooted, at which point I decided to remove the service pack and wait until they get the lead out. Now it works just fine. Printer too.
Funny thing though, I had Windows 95 for the longest time, Everytime they upgraded, I stuck with what I had, and never had a problem with a virus, except once with the Klez worm, because hackers were all keying on the newest version.
Makes me wonder if I should just stay with what I have until it's time for a new computer again.
But then this am, after trying to correct the driver issue, when I went to reboot, it froze.... unplugged for 10 sec, rebooot, same deal. Took six times to get rebooted, at which point I decided to remove the service pack and wait until they get the lead out. Now it works just fine. Printer too.
Funny thing though, I had Windows 95 for the longest time, Everytime they upgraded, I stuck with what I had, and never had a problem with a virus, except once with the Klez worm, because hackers were all keying on the newest version.
Makes me wonder if I should just stay with what I have until it's time for a new computer again.
Yea I just installed sp2 and all my icons have been wrecked. Some have dissapeared and some have become fuzzy.
And it appears to have slowed down my internet connection.
Great one MS.
And it appears to have slowed down my internet connection.
Great one MS.
Well I haven't experienced any problems whatsoever using SP2 (I did install from fresh). If anything, it runs better than before.
Perhaps I'm lucky.
Perhaps I'm lucky.
Yeah SP2 is not ready. When i installed it, everything as fine. then when i restarted it took forever to logon. Then when i finaly got loged on the computer seemed to hang every 5 minutes. Because of this i have needed to wipe my computer twice. This problem had me thinking my hard drives were bad
Now You guys are starting to get it! They are going to get rid of the hackers and make them a thing of the past if they can! I got it to...and I must say YES!!!! I had a couple of cracked programs on my computer. They dissapeared from my computer or everything in the folders were took out! Yes, I think it might have a bug your two. Trust me guys...when Longhorn comes out it will be a great build...awesome from what little I have seen and heard. I dont make it a point to run stolen programs...but that is what I experinced and some of my friends also. I figure by January they will have it fixed. The software companys are the ones losing money. I guess George Bush and Bill Gates made a deal. LONGHORN!!! Save Microsoft!!!
Also, Web sites too are coming up with different ways to log on to the sites. Your not seeing the old user and password log ons anymore! Come on...really...you can get what ever you want on the internet...Just about...if you want it! All these companys are tired of it. The hackers have taken XP and made available to everyone!!! This Bills personal baby!!! "and I quote!"
Laterz...
You know guys..... You all should be happy that you even got SP2.... Here is my problem, when i went to the microsoft website and downloaded SP2, i tried to run the installation, but as soon as it enters the installation, an error occurs as it says : you haven't accepted the agreement or something!, and they still didnt even give me a chance to do so!!
Please help me guys, my email adres is: yjkader@hotmail.com
Please help me guys, my email adres is: yjkader@hotmail.com
