Run a system file check which should reinstall spoolsv.
click start>run
type in: sfc /scannow
(space between sfc and /)
click ok

sfc will replace any damaged/missing XP files. It may ask for your XP CD. If that doesn't do it, then you'll probably have to install it manually.

Ron

When it asks for the Cd what options do I choose?

Will it work if I have XPSP2 downloaded?

I f I have to do it manually how do I do that?

 

Thanks for your help so far

If it asks for the XP CD, just put it in the drive and close the tray. I think you have to click OK when the disk is loaded, but after that sfc should do what it needs without any other prompts from you. It should work with your XP CD even if you have SP2 downloaded. Since SP2 was downloaded, it may not even ask for the CD at all. Depends on whether it finds what it needs 'hidden' on your HD or not.

First see if this works. If not we can go through the manual method.

Ron

Hi

 

Tried it & it asked for the CD. I chose the option of install optional windows components but it didnt work

Still get error message

Tried again today but when I put sfc /scannow in Run nothing happens

 

Can you help

 

Thanks

I'm totally confused by your statement:
Tried it & it asked for the CD. I chose the option of install optional windows components but it didnt work.

sfc should never have given you the option to install optional Windows components. How did that happen? Did you boot from the XP CD or did you put it in the drive before sfc asked for it?

Not good if sfc won't run. Sure you put one space between "sfc" and "/scannow" (without the quotes)? Try it again and make sure the space is there.

If no luck, do a file search for "spoolsv.exe" (without the quotes). Assuming you're up-to-date on all the hotfixes, spoolsv.exe is in folder C:\windows\$hf_mig$\KB896423\SP2QFE (or folder with similar long name; NOT the version in C:\I386). If it's in the correct folder, copy it to folder c:\windows\system32

Don't move the original file and don't just create a shortcut to it in the other folder. You need to put a complete copy of the file in c:\windows\system32. Then reboot.

If you don't find spoolsv.exe in that folder with long name, you need to see if update KB896423 was installed on your system. Open Add/Remove Programs control panel. Make sure "show updates" box is checked at the top and scroll down the list. If it's there, you have to uninstall it and download/install again from MS's update site. If it's not listed you just have to download/install it. Reboot when done.

If that doesn't fix it, you'll have to do a Repair/Reinstall of XP and install all the XP updates/hotfixes again. Since you don't have a full XP SP2 CD, you may have to create a slip-streamed CD containing XP and SP2 before you start the Repair/Reinstall. You won't lose your personal files or any software you installed but always a good idea to back up your files first.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 12-09-2005 10:23 AM