Windows Xp Sp3 Install Failure

My computer is a tower-type Gateway, with both C and D hard drives, and is running Windows XP Professional, formerly with Service Pack 3.

Recently the computer did not recover after a power interruption. It would no longer boot, instead giving a message about a "read error".

A local repair shop said that C: drive was unreadable and that they could not fix it.

Originally both of the hard drives were Western Digital model WD2500JB-57REA0, of 250GB size.

After I got the computer home from the repair shop (who had in effect thrown up their hands) I ordered (from Newegg) another 250GB hard drive. This new drive was a Hitachi WL250PATA872.

After it was installed, I proceeded to load Wiundows XP from a CD. The installation went normally, and would boot just fine. Then, because some of my software wants Service Pack 3 to run, I installed it.

It was then that the trouble started. The installation of SP3 SEEMED to run normally, but something was wrong. The installation would not boot normally. It kept bringing up a screen offering a choice of Safe Mode,
Last Installation that Worked, Safe Mode with Command Line, and a couple others.

Using Control Panel's "Remove Software" entry, I removed Service Pack 3, and the installation would then boot
normally.

Has anyone else encountered this behavior, and can they give me some insight into what is wrong and how to get the thing to boot normally?

Thanks,

Kurt

 

The only possible cause I can think of is Windows XP's service packs are not cumulative.
You must first install SP1 and then SP3, or SP2 then SP3.

SP2 includes SP1.
SP3 includes SP2 but not SP1.

 

Always install with only the Boot/System drive connected too.

 

If I remember correctly you need to install all other updates first before SP3 otherwise it will cause BSOD and crash

 

Hello Eldon,

As a matter of fact, I did try that.

When the XP is installed from the CD used, it already has Service Pack 1.

Installing Service Pack 2 resulted in the same errant behavior..the Safe Mode / Last Mode that Worked, etc.

I didn't get to first base with it.

One thing that was different was the identity of the C drive (Hitachi vs.Western Digital). I very much doubt that this matters.

Another thing was that this CD was running in a CD/DVD drive. I also doubt this this matters.

Sexyand81: what other updates are needed?


Thanks,

Kurt

 

I can't remember exactly as it was long time since I used Windows XP but in windows updates i had to install updates and uncheck service pack 3 untill it was only showing service pack 3 update and when that installed and restarted it worked without any problems.