SP 2 Won't Install Computer Freezes

Question

Help. I'm trying to install XP SP 2 and can't get it to fininsh installation.  At the archive step (in the wizard) the computer (Demension 8200) freezes. After four hours I cancelled the install. I've tried it twice (once from the online download and once from the CD) same results. All previous updates have beemn loaded Adware has been removed and virus software is up todate Thanks for any assistance.

Flooby · Answer

Which BIOS version is installed?  If lower than A09, you should update to that, and then attempt installation of SP2.  You may also find that disconnecting non-essential peripherals and running a thorough disk cleanup (check all the boxes) helps, as does error-checking the hard drive (with both options checked there) and running Disk Defragmenter in advance.

brebeans · Answer

HI:   How do you update BIOS?  Mine is A05? Thanks.

Flooby · Answer

@brebeans wrote:

How do you update BIOS? Mine is A05?

Download the latest version from the Downloads site (Product Support button - above left, Downloads sublink), and follow the installation instructions that appear at the same location.

Flooby · Answer

Since I've never had any problems installing XP2 on properly configured 8200s, I'm inclined to suspect a problem with your particular core operating system, possibly as a result of malware (which is frequently responsible for this sort of difficulty, and which can be particularly difficult to remove, even with the use of over-the-counter removal apps).  I'd be willing to bet that a clean (and proper) installation of Windows XP, immediately followed by SP2 would remedy this, but, of course, that's going to be up to you.

rcastrop · Answer

All Thanks, but I updated the BIOS (A09) and I still get the syptoms below.  Any more suggestions?       Help. I'm trying to install XP SP 2 and can't get it to fininsh installation.  At the archive step (in the wizard) the computer (Demension 8200) freezes. After four hours I cancelled the install. I've tried it twice (once from the online download and once from the CD) same results. All previous updates have beemn loaded Adware has been removed and virus software is up todate Thanks for any assistance.

maxd · Answer

Adware is a likely cause for the freezing but since it was during the registry archival it could be a permissions issue. Anyways this is what I'd try.

Do a System Restore to prior to your attempts.

Do an online scan here http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and here http://webroot.com/

Then do an updated scan with AdAware AND Spybot.

Disable System Restore and reboot.

Use the msconfig command (from Start|Run) and uncheck all the Startups. (Be physically disconnected from the internet before you do this.)

Disconnect all USB peripherals.

Run this command (from Start|Run): sfc /scannow (note space)

Copy the SP2 file(s) to your C: drive and do the install frorm there.

Any questions before you start ?

Windows General

SP 2 Won't Install Computer Freezes

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