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7238
August 24th, 2005 11:00
SP2 file corruption
Hi,
I've been troubleshooting the problem of getting SP2 to function on my Dimension 4400. I start with a reformat and reinstallation of Windows XP. Then I install SP2. I’ve tried installing from the CD and from Windows Update. In both cases, after installation and reboot I usually run into various problems that others are experiencing, where Windows either won’t start up, or I get a message, “One of the files containing system’s registry had to be recovered by use of a log or alternate copy. The recovery was successful” or “A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer.”
Sometimes don’t get any errors initially and I am able to install some updates. But eventually the system fails and I have to reinstall Windows. In any event, after performing a check disk I found that SP2 is corrupting my hard drive, creating errors and bad clusters that cannot be repaired.
When I rebuild my OS without SP2, I can download/install SP1, all updates, drivers and software without encountering any errors.
Before SP2 installation, I disconnect all peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse. As far I know I have the latest BIOS. There are no viruses or spyware on the computer. After Windows is installed I check for errors and defragment the hard drive; then I install SP2.
I’ve read some of the posts and someone mentioned that there were critical updates related to SP2 and Dell computers but I could not locate any. Any ideas why SP2 is corrupting my hard drive? Is there a compatibility issue concerning the 4400 and SP2?
Thank you in advance.
Robert
Dimension 4400
1.7 GHz, 384 DDR memory
20GB hd 7200
80GB hd 7200
ATI All-In-Wonder 128 Pro AGP display adapter
Windows XP Home Ed.
RobPC77
6 Posts
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August 24th, 2005 17:00
RoHe
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August 24th, 2005 17:00
RobPC77
6 Posts
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August 24th, 2005 18:00
RobPC77
6 Posts
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August 24th, 2005 19:00
RobPC77
6 Posts
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August 24th, 2005 19:00
I ran the Chipset installer after loading XP and received the following message, "The current operating system supports the Intel chipset devices on your system. No INF update is needed."
Is this Chipset installer supposed to update my current drivers to 845 Chipset support? Because my current drivers are for 828.
Any other suggestions are welcomed.
RobPC77
6 Posts
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August 25th, 2005 06:00
I finally determined what steps to take in order to get SP2 to run without causing system file errors and bad clusters on my Dimension 4400.
1. Reinstall Windows XP.
2. Install the Chipset drivers.
3. If you get a message saying, 'No update necessary," its a good idea to run the INF Update Utility from the Intel download site:
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=N&ProductID=816&DwnldID=9026&strOSs=45&OSFullName=Windows*%20XP%20Home%20Edition&lang=eng
4. Install the Intel Application Accelerator from Dell IDE and EIDE downloads. (This 12/17/2001 update improves storage sub-system performance and the over system performance. When ever a Windows reintall is done, this download should be installed prior to any updates).
5. Install SP2 from a CD or a download file. SP2 might not be available when running Windows Update prior to installing some critical updates, so its best to order the free SP2 CD from Microsoft.
After rebooting, Windows opened with no problems, no error messages and no system file errors after running a check disk. I was able to install updates, add software, drivers without any problems. These steps aren't for everyone. My unit was shipped in 2/2002. Computers shipped much later might not require this approach when reinstalling XP.
Robert
p.s. Thanks RoHe for pointing out that the chipset needed to be installed right after XP and before SP2.
RoHe
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August 25th, 2005 15:00
Ron