xp service pack 2 not working...at all

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@dftc01 wrote:

My Inspirion B120 crashed and required a reinstall of XP.  The service pack 2 download is failing everytime.  I get the blue screen that recommmends disabling the Bios memory, caching or shadowing.  I have downloaded the Bios update but it still does not work.   Any other sugggestions before I defenestrate it?

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Had to look that one up ..... :smileyvery-happy:

 

Question - When you say you reinstalled XP do you mean a clean install by wiping the HD and reformatting - or - did a repair reinstall of XP?

I tried to use the repair function but it too failed.  So, I re-installed completely.  Rebuilt everything, and when I was in the process of downloading the numerous security upgrades since Svc Pk 1 I hit the wall with Svc Pk 2.  As I said, the message has varied (yes, I had to use the XP disk again, but this time it was able to repair the system without a re-install). 

Did a Google search for "xp service pack 2 fails" and among the links I found this which indicates your vintage XP w/SP1 system may be one that can't process the SP2 download but offers suggested remedies -

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885627

 

I didn't check through the other search links results but they probably have similar references. Another option would be to see if you can purchase the SP2 CD direct from MS and install it that way.

the fix did not work...

That was something I should have done.  I will try it and let you know in about 3 hours when it is all done...

Strange, for sure. Short of trying to obtain a SP2 CD from MS (or a friend) to load it directly I don't know what else to suggest other than continue trying to find a solution among the "xp service pack 2 download fails" search results.

thank you for your help!

Do you get a STOP error code along with the verbiage about disabling the Bios memory, caching or shadowing? If yes, please post the complete STOP error message.

 

Have you tried going directly from SP1 to SP3?  I don't remember if it works, but typically a service pack includes all previous patches (e.g., quite often when working as a system admin back in 'the day' i would install WinNT4, then SP1, then SP4 - skipping SP 2 & 3 - when setting up a new system from scratch).

I have not tried that.  I was afraid that SVc Pack 3 would ahve system requirements My computer was not able to handle.  I guess I can always uninttall it...