Windows XP SP3 has problems
May 14, 2008 by shogan in The Pit Blog
On Wednesday, May 7th 2008, Microsoft released the long awaited Windows XP SP3. Almost immediately hundreds of users registered complaints ranging from complete crashes to looping reboots. Similar problems have accompanied previous service packs and are usually the result of conflicting software.
Now, a few days later, it’s known that many of the reports are specific to HP Computers with AMD processors. Copies of Windows intended for Intel-based machines were used by OEMs on AMD-based computers. According to Microsoft the blame sits squarely on HP and possibly other OEMs
Jesper Johansson, a well respected MVP in Windows Security, has been helpful in identifying this problem and was quoted in a May 12th Article from Gregg Keizer of ComputerWorld. “The problem is that HP, and possibly other OEMs, deploy the same image to Intel-based desktops that they do to AMD-based desktops”. Many of us already know the problems associated with installing the wrong drivers on a system and this is exactly the same situation. Thankfully this problem is restricted to HP desktop models and does not affect their laptops.
In addition to the above problem there is a separate “no boot” situation specific to the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard, which also is designed for AMD processors. If you are seeing the error code: STOP:0x000000A5 after installing SP3 then you can use a USB flash drive as a temporary fix. Once you’ve installed a USB flash drive or other secondary storage device you will be able to boot your computer. This certainly is not convenient but will help until the problem is properly solved.
A flurry of fixes immediately after releasing a major service pack is nothing new to Windows users. The unlimited configuration possibilities almost assure there will be some necessary adjustments. Microsoft seems to be reacting quickly this time, with updates coming every day since SP3s original release.
There is no doubt this problem will be rectified but PC Pitstop cannot recommend installing Windows XP SP3 at this time. Information on the issues addressed with this important update can be found in our recent article "Windows SP3: The Long Journey".
For those who have already installed this service pack and are experiencing problems, we suggest referencing Microsoft Help and Support document KB888372 dated May 6th, 2008. In some cases the fix can be as easy as using your Add/Remove programs utility to remove the offending service pack. You can find assistance with SP3 removal from this Microsoft Support Document "How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer". Keep checking with us for updates on this important service pack.
KB888372
Jesper Johansson
Endless Reboots
Information Week
Windows SP3: The Long Journey
Microsoft Support Document
Tags: Microsoft, Windows, XP
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38 Responses to “Windows XP SP3 has problems”
patterson Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 1:32 am
surprise, surprise
justplainwayne Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
have installed on an E-Machine with celeron; 4 Dells SX-260's with P-4; and a dual Dell Vostro laptop and no problems.
Not much change either in performance or anything else for that matter.
Pretty benign so far.
Rich Syx Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hi,
This took place on May 15th.
I just finished building a PC and installing Win XP Pro. I immediately went to Microsoft and started the long task of downloading and installing updates. The first required update was SP3…Cool…I thought it would save time. I downloaded and installed SP3 and other security and software updates. Then I started getting errors saying the downloads were not installed. They consisted of Netframework 1 & 2, Media player 11, Security fix to Explorer 7, and this one is hard to understand, and update for Flash failed to install. I havn't even installed any software to my PC yet other than windows and SP3. I tried to install each update indepedently, but they all failed. Including a few that I havn't mentioned. I then installed Adobe Flash Reader. I went back to microsoft updates and again tried to install the Flash update. It still would not install.
At this time I, May 16th, I still cannot install the remaining updates.
All comments welcome!
arley Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
while installing service pack 3 on my dell x300 laptop it crashed. I can't get my wireless card or my SD card reader to work. I reformated and installed xp.
Jean L. Hohnstein Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I must be living right! I waited over a year before installing SP2, so leery was I about major changes. But I bit the bullet on this one, downloaded it and installed it, and had no problem whatsoever. I have a six-year-old Alienware
Area-51, and I go to some pains to keep it tidied up regularly. Perhaps taking out the trash on a schedule helped avoid problems with this b-i-g install — took a half-hour to download, and three times that long to install.
Mike A. Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I tried to install it on my Dell desktop that I had uninstalled the OEM and installed a clean copy of XP Pro. I did this with my Dell laptop that has the same unistall and reinstall of XP Pro. The laptop kicked out after about 35 minutes of installation time with SP3. The desktop kicked out after appx. 7 hours of installation time. I have upgraded the desktop to an Intel 2.0 MHz chip and have 2 megs of memory in it. The installation process took my memory in the desktop to about 2KB and used darn near all of my virtual memory. I have no idea how much memory the installation took on my laptop, but I'm willing to bet that it used the full 1 gig that I have in there. I plan to wait a while before I try it again, only this time it will be from a CD and not online.
Roy Oestensen Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Thanks for the warning. So far I have not experienced any problems myself, but then I have installed the whole system myself, ensuring the correct drivers etc. (partly thanks to PC Pitstop's Driver Alert). I will forward these comments to the rest of our organisation of 15 people, though, so that the others are aware of the danger too.
Joe C Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Thank you for the heads up on the SP3 issue with the HP/AMD problem, on a side note, HP model numbers that end with a "Z" have the AMD chips. Good to be aware of the asus issue too and will keep this in mind on all upgrades. Is (or has anyone heard if) HP/Asus doing anything to resolve this issue?
Joe C Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Did some reaseach on my own and found an HP fix here….
www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9085978Joe C Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Possible temp fix for the Asus boards…
The solution is simplicity itself: insert a USB flash drive, or some other form of secondary storage mechanism, before booting the computer. The people have that have seen this problem report that it goes away when they do. The catch is that the computer will only boot with a secondary drive attached. If you remove the secondary drive it will no longer boot.
It also appears that this could be related to using a USB mouse. If you have a USB mouse, try moving it to the PS/2 port instead (the little round port, you should have received an adapter with your mouse). That seems to resolve the problem without the use of an external USB flash drive.
If you have this problem, and either solution helps, or even if they do not help, I'd appreciate a comment on the blog so we can figure out what is going on here.
msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspxRick Kirchoff Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I suggest waiting for at least 4-5 months and let the problems get worked out. Prior to installing, I also recommend asking your banking sites and other secure sites if they've tested it and have found it to be secure enough to install.
Scott Anderton Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I have put SP3 on 3 computers, all Intel based, with only minor problems. The only issue so far that may or may not be attributable is the disappearance of my Buffalo Tarastation NAS. Coincidence or is it part of the evil plan???
Gary Lefmann Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I used Jesper's small free program to remove the offending intelppm file before downloading and installing SP3 on my HP Pavilion running AMD. No problems so far. You can get Jesper's fix on his website.
msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/warpete Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
TO: rich syx, I had the same problem. Updates would download but not install. I tried everything and finally found an easy fix. Download and run "Dial-a-Fix" (it's free). I wasn't sure it would work with SP3, but it did it's job perfectly. Just follow the directions which are very simple–and when it finishes–your updates should install with no problems.
John Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I installed SP3 last night. No problems so far. I have an old Dell desktop. The download was about 70mb and took awhile and the whole process took about an hour. I don't notice any performance difference. Wish I would have gotten Pitstops email yesterday, I might have waited to make the SP3 upgrade. Guess I was lucky it worked for me!
Daren M Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I downloaded the full SP3 distribution from Microsoft and then slipstreamed it with my original XP Pro CD. Then I did a clean install. Absolutely no problems at all with the clean install. I built the computer myself, and obtained the correct drivers for the board and other components. Maybe that is the reason. Maybe someone with an HP computer should wait, but I don't see any reason why other people should wait.
Dan Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I installed Service pack 3 about three weeks ago on and OLD Dell 8200. And I have had none of the problems stated here or in any of the comments. Guess I'm just lucky. lol. It wasnt anything I use… I dont think anyway. Just DONT force me into Vista. PLEASE. I have had this Dell 8200 pc since it was new, 2002, and I have no complaints. For a pc this old its even Vista ready just by adding a few changes in hardware. But no Vista for me if I can help it.
Juris D. Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Sp3 installed without a glitch, running just fine…no reboot problems….Intel CPU,
Ed. B Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Installed SP3 on a 2-1/2 year old Dell desktop. Had no problems whatsoever, but was surprised how long it took even with a cable connection tweeked with with Otimize. Ran a de-frag afterwards to get everything in place since this appeared to be a rather large download, and I am happy to report everything runs fine.
Jennifer F Usher Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
After swearing never to become Computer Savvy, I found myself at that junction-following a revelation,if I hoped to swim with The Big Boys. I must learn to operate a computer, or drown!!!
My very first computer was a retired NEC-which I bought at a thrift store, it had either a 95, 98, or XP OS. After a year of schooling myself through Trial and Error, of tearing down and and rebuilding my NEC relic-I trashed it!!!
Following a years hiatus, during which I used Public Domain Computers. I opted to go Lean and Mean and picked Up MSN TV. Which gave me e-mail and Web Surfing access. Determining that MSN TV was woefully inadequate-I trashed it.
Following the conclusion, that I needed to obtain an advanced Business Degree-I bought a new Acer with XP Pro installed. Which I would use for 2.75 years to attend Graduate School and Graduate.
I firmly loved my Acer with XP Pro and necessary Office components. However, I was forced to resell my Acer, when I went back to driving TT's OTR.
Since retiring from DRV TT OTR, I opted for DRV TT locally and returning to school to obtain my Doctorate.
However, the computer I bought was a Dell with OS 95-which turned out to be junk!!
So I went searching online for a replacement and opted for a Tecra by Toshiba-through CDW, that provided me with my first taste of OS Vista Business Basic!!!
Though having been prewarned about Vista, I gave it my best while again in school-that became my worst nightmare!!!
While in school, and after buying TECRA, I soon found out that my school's On-line program was inadequate and incapable of interfacing with Vista. So frustrated with the Professor's ineptness and Vista gliches-I withdrew!!!
My biggest gripe with Vista is that Office Suite was only a 60 Day Trial. After which One had to either "Upgrade" for nearly $400.00 or suffer with a computer and No Office Suite!!!
I wanted to return Tecra to CDW-but did not!!!
Fearing that I could not go back to Public Domain Computer access-I kept the piece of JUNK!!!
Looking back in time, I lived and breathed Microsoft-but at present, I feel betrayed as I have a recently built and purchased computer, but NO OS!!!
So what are my present options? Buy another computer-That I build and load with XP PRO and Office, or suffer with Vista Business Basic???
As I am still endeavoring to return to complete My Doctoral Studies-I'm forced to advise all those who read this post. That they should refuse to Install any SP's, for I view them as Destructive OS Trojan Horses…!!!
Peter Pfefferkorn Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Installed SP3 on a 4 year old Dell Dimension and also on a new Dell Vostro laptop a few days ago. No problems of any kind, no changes in performance.
Victor Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I downloaded SP3 and after installation, I lost my Icons and also a whole stock market charting program. Luckily I had backs ups so restored it all. My mistake was I did not disable Nortons Auto-Protect. So I did so this time, disabled Nortons and re-downloaded SP3 and all went fast and smooth and absolutely with no problems.
Bonnie Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I installed SP3 last week and my HP laptop completely crashed. When I put in the Windows XP OS disc to repair it, it sad no hard drive could be found.After doing system recovery twice, my hard drive was still failing to pass diagnostics. It has taken me about a week to get it back up and running right. My hard drive is now passing diagnostics. I am afraid to try SP3 again.
Ben Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
What is up at HP? They seem to bw falling apart. Those of us using Vista still don't have adequate drivers for our All-in-one printers! HP has been promising them for a year!
rocketmouse Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Rich Syx: I finally solved the Flash problem by resetting Internet Explorer (Internet Options; Advanced; Reset…) and then installing the Flash update. It pays to keep track of your custom settings (and add-ons) so you can put them back afterwards. So far so good.
Peg L. Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I installed sp3 and found it incompatible with McAfee's Antivirus and Spyware software that comes through our SonicWALL firewall and had to uninstall.
Bill H Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Hi, I probably know the least of all computer writers but I installed SP3 on a Dell Dektop and a HP laptop. Had a few disappointments which I don't remember because it wasn't a big thing to me. Every thing seems to be working just fine.
franbarb Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I guess I am also one of the lucky ones..
no problems with the install. winxp pro
emachine
Russell Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I have a HP/AMD 4 year old desktop. I installed XP SP3 yesterday and have not had a single problem at all. I guess my computer was in good shape before I installed it. I did do the recommended "stop running all programs including virus scan". I also cleaned and defraged before I downloaded and installed.
Bloggins Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
i installed sp 3 on a system i built and well surprise surprise problems. it is the smae as someone above mentioned it will just not take other updates after that. so uninstall sp 3 and do all the other updates ( all 88 of them i believe it was ) the old fashioned way.
tlm Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I installed SP3 approx. a couple of weeks ago and now it does a reboot loop. I was so frustrated I turned the computer off and haven't gone back to look at it, hopefully I will find a fix on one of these boards, argh!
Paul E. Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
According to Susan Bradley's column in the current Window's Secrets eletter, the amd issue is specific to HP's Media Center Edition os
Jim Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Well i installed sp3 on a my XpPro partition of my Macbook using parallels. No problems runs great. Seems to like running Windows on a Apple machine…to tell you the truth Windows seldom crashes on my Mac like it did on my PC which is why is switched last year!
Mike Little Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
SP3 failed to install twice with faults reported. The third time was successful apart from e-mail not working. Have now uninstalled XP3.
Dana M Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I ran into the same probs as Rich on my wife's comp, which has the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe board in it. The first time caused it to blue screen before I could even get to safe mode. Later I found out it was because the bios was out of date and had to be updated to version 1405. Unfortunatly I thought of this too late and already reformated, and tried the second installion of sp3. Luckly the new bios allowed me to get into safe mode to uninstall. Long story short (I know too late), Here's my question to you. What do you think it will take, to send the message to Microsoft's R&D Dept. to get their heads external and upright?
Jordan D Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I had installed SP3 on my ASUS mother board and soon began the constant reboots until microsoft gave me some tips that got it working but it went on for a couple days. Now everything is going smoothly.
Nathaniel Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Jennifer, as an alternative to buying the Microsoft Office Suite, you could install Open Office, an open source application suite. It is compatible with all of the MSOffice types except DOCX as far as I can tell. For viewing those files you can download Microsoft's FREE Document Viewer with the DOCX converter.
Tyrone Leathem Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Absolutely no problems encountered in updating SP3 or downloading MS updates. Now fully loaded and ready to go, i built the PC myself three years ago and no problems what so ever.
techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/05/14/windows-xp-sp3-has-problems/
