Windows XP SP3 Fails to Boot: Fixes

23 April 2009 @ 8pm

Several users have encountered a problem in which, after updating to Windows XP SP3, the system will not boot.

Fixes

The first step in fixing this problem is to boot in safe mode. To do this, tap the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly as the computer is starting up). Select a method of safe booting from the menu (first try with networking; if the crash still occurs, try without networking).

Next, try removing any external devices from your computer and restarting normally (not in safe mode). If the system boots normally, either remove the offending device(s) or try installing updated drivers (usually available from manufacturers’ web sites) before re-attaching them. If the system does not boot properly, startup in safe mode again.

Next try applying any updated drivers for your system while booted in safe mode. Check the website of your computer’s manufacturer for any new releases. Try booting normally (not in safe mode). In particular, some HP systems need a specific driver — available here — to work properly with Windows XP SP3.

If that fails, startup in safe mode again.

As a last resort, remove Windows XP SP3 per the instructions in this Microsoft document.

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Windows XP