Windows service pack 1 probs
 

Is it me or does Microsoft cause more problems than it solves?

When I changed to broadband the bumpf recommended that I install XP service pack 1. With dial-up that would have taken a month, so I waited until now and had no problems.

Had some spare time this morning and set it upgrading.

It went to restart and now gives me a 'page size incorrect' error and then says c:\$mft corrupted.

I get my desktop picture with no icons or start menu. I can get to programs with ctl-alt-del.

I am searching microsoft site with no luck so far but I now have a choice:

1. Fix the problem. If so how?

2. Go back to the last restore point. If so how can I get to that without a start menu/control panel?

Help, help, help!

Oh yeah, it also runs chkdsk on the way in to windows now but finds no errors.

If you boot into safe/recovery mode, once its loaded up it will give you the option to do a system restore :)

Good shout. Never thought of that.

Hit F12 or something (depending on PC) as windows symbol appears isn't it?

Not sure, I thought it was F8 as soon as the memory/hard drive check finishes :)

I've got a picture of Bill Gates on my F8 key to remind me which one to hit when something goes wrong :D

Hit f8 and select "last known good configuration" should sort things out if not the XP repair option works a treat just dont choose the first option to repair just go on as if doing a fresh install and then when it finds an existing XP installation repair that one.

Murray Mint

Desmondo that was a quality reply, like your style:lol:

Thanks all.

I started the pc up and after 1/4 hour the desktop appeared (albeit not working quite right). I tried to system restore but kept getting the corrupt file message.

Then unistalled sp1 which did not completely disappear. Then uninstalled again. It went but still kept going into chkdsk on startup and taking 10 minutes to get to desktop.

Have just turned it on again and touch wood started fine and seems ok.

Many thanks all. Thanks Jamie for the tip too!

You should try reinstalling the service pack though - it really does fix loads of problems and security holes.

Did you do it through the Windows Update feature (under the Tools menu in Internet Explorer) ? This is the best way as it scans your machine for what is missing and gives you a list.

I think there was also a known problem with SP1 which meant SP1a was released ... if you're installing from a CD or something you might have the older one.

You may also find that turning off any virus scanner when installing helps, but I personally haven't had any problems when installing with Norton AV.

I can't believe people are having problems with XP - I've had it running on my machine for nearly a year now and the PC has only been switched off ONCE when it blew the fuse in the power supply! It has never crashed on me and I've installed it on numerous other machines without problems too - but I always install and then windows update!

Drop me a line if you need any more help...