Big problem when installing XP SP3

[Skater]

I tried to install the Release Candidate of Windows XP Service Pack 3 last Wednesday. It looked to have installed correctly, but when I was restarting the computer it gets as far as the Windows XP loading screen, with the blue bar along the bottom, before cutting out, getting to the same point, and doing the same thing over and over again.

I know it was my responsibility as a release candidate, but it should not have done this! If possible I want to get my old settings back, all of the files for the Cricsim league I run and my Football Manager 2008 story are on it.

I am using my old laptop for now. I have got it so I use it with the keyboard I had with the PC and the 20 inch widescreen monitor too.

The question is, what can I do? I don't have any operating systems on disc, I have looked at the CMOS or whatever it is called. Any help will get big credit!

 

[Gunner786]

try going into safe mode and uninstalling it

 

[MattW]

Boot up pressing the F8 key, when the Windows boot menu pops up, select Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure (or similar). When the computer next starts you will see a blue screen, if it mentions GDI32.dll you have got the same error many people had (including me) when installing SP3.

To solve the problem you need an XP install disc. If you don't have one you will need to get one, as you can't go into safe mode (the same error occurs).

From there you need to boot into the recovery console (wait for everything to load and then press 'r'), you will need to know the Administrator password for the machine.

When it gives you a prompt that says:

C:\WINDOWS>

type in (press enter at the end of each line)

cd System32
ren gdi32.dll gdi32.old
cd ..
cd ServicePackFiles
copy gdi32.dll ..\system32
exit

Now ideally your computer will start normally. If not, you will need to run a repair installation of Windows.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Yes. Even though I flawlessly installed SP3, MS does screw up many times, and its completely natural for an RC2. But don't worry, it is most probably the GDI32.dll, as my friend had it too. Btw, if you don't have an install disc, there's one more thing you can use, but its a little bit more complicated. However do try and get a CD from somewhere, if you can't, then tell me and I'll tell you the advanced method too.

 

[Skater]

It is the GDI32.dll problem. I have an XP disc now. I'm losing it where it says 'boot into the recovery console (wait for everything to load and press 'r') wait for all what to load?

I have got into the recovery console but it keeps telling me there is no CD or Floppy Disk in the drive, when there is.

Boot up pressing the F8 key, when the Windows boot menu pops up, select Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure (or similar). When the computer next starts you will see a blue screen, if it mentions GDI32.dll you have got the same error many people had (including me) when installing SP3.

To solve the problem you need an XP install disc. If you don't have one you will need to get one, as you can't go into safe mode (the same error occurs).

From there you need to boot into the recovery console (wait for everything to load and then press 'r'), you will need to know the Administrator password for the machine.

When it gives you a prompt that says:

type in (press enter at the end of each line)


Now ideally your computer will start normally. If not, you will need to run a repair installation of Windows.

The "WINDOWS" is missing from the prompt that comes up for me.

I don't think I can fix it. I will do a fresh install.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

If you're still wanting to fix it, just press one more command before

Cd..
C:\ (Replace C with your windows drive)
cd Windows

Then the next few commands will be the same.

 

[Skater]

No, the same thing happens. "There is no floppy disk or CD in the drive". Anything else?

 

[MattW]

I'm losing it where it says 'boot into the recovery console (wait for everything to load and press 'r') wait for all what to load?

Well when you put in an XP CD and boot off it it goes through a driver loading stage and after about 2 minutes comes up with an option to install windows or to go into the recovery console.

 

[Skater]

Well when you put in an XP CD and boot off it it goes through a driver loading stage and after about 2 minutes comes up with an option to install windows or to go into the recovery console.

I've sorted that. It just keeps telling me there is no disk in the drive when I enter the prompts.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Then it must be that your windows drive is not C:? Whats your Windows drive, the drive where you have installed windows?

 

[MattW]

I've sorted that. It just keeps telling me there is no disk in the drive when I enter the prompts.

A quick google got me this page that has what (roughly you get on your screen):
http://futureindian.blogspot.com/2007/12/screenshots-of-windows-recovery-console.html

Looking at that page which screenshot looks most like the furthest you can get to?

 

[Skater]

A quick google got me this page that has what (roughly you get on your screen):
http://futureindian.blogspot.com/2007/12/screenshots-of-windows-recovery-console.html

Looking at that page which screenshot looks most like the furthest you can get to?

I can't tell you which screenshot the furthest I can get to is because for some reason I can't see them, but this is something I noticed:

You will need to enter the Administrator password !

I am not asked to enter the administrator's password, and if I was, I wouldn't know where to find it.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

I cant see those screens too, and you wouldn't need to enter a password if your admin account doesnt have a password.

 

[Skater]

I cant see those screens too, and you wouldn't need to enter a password if your admin account doesnt have a password.

I see. I am the only person that uses my computer so I don't have a password. That still leaves me with this problem though. The operating system on my computer is Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, but the disc I have is for Windows XP Home Edition. Does this make a difference?

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Well it shouldn't make a difference since GDI32.dll is the same.

I still can't get what problem your getting though. Can you explain step by step?