SP3 has ruined me!

[RP1980]

Good Afternoon,

 

I hope you can help me, over the weekend my PC auto-downloaded a Microsoft update (XP Service Pack 3) and ever since it won't boot, it gets as far as the Windows XP screen and then resets.

 

Now, I don't really want to system restore (F10), as I'll lose all my files. The PC created a restore point before the download so can I go back to that? I know how to do it through windows but obviously I cannot get as far as windows at the moment. Would it work booting the PC in 'safe' mode then running the restore?

 

My computer is a Compaq Presario, I don't know which specific model, etc, and it's a little hard for me to find out as the PC is at home and I only have access to the internet at work.

 

Thanks in anticipation!

 

Rich.

[Dalo Harkin]

Yes - run the system restore in safe mode

[RP1980]

Excellent - thanks for your prompt response.

 

I will restore then take the beast to my local computer shop so they can scan it and find out what the underlying problems are.

 

Thanks!

[Dalo Harkin]

there wont be any underlying problems - SP3 is reknowned for having 'issues' leave it a while until all the issues are ironed out - SP2 is fine

[RP1980]

I see, thanks for the advice. Just to confirm - If I go back to the restore point created yesterday (prior to download) I won't lose any of my settings, programs or files?

[Dalo Harkin]

Anything added from yesterday - so after SP3 will be lost anything before wont be.

[Seth]

How about just removing SP3 from Safe Mode?

 

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer

[RP1980]

Thanks for the advice Seth - I had already done the system restore, which worked fine, I didn't lose anything as I couldn't do anything since the download. I am up and running again now! Thanks for all your help.

[Dalo Harkin]

Glad that we could help :)