Repair Install of Windows XP - Need Help

[TheJediSlayer]

Hello,

I'm trying to do a repair install of my Windows XP installation, but I've run into a bit of a snag. Everything goes well with the repair install until I reach a certain point during the repair install where it prompts me to find the appropriate file for the computer to copy from the disk to the folder it needs to be in.

Now, I do this, but it still won't copy the files from the Windows XP disk. I can't think of any reason why my computer won't copy the files to folder, so I'm at a lost and need your guy's expert advice.

Much appreciated in advance,

Tyler

 

[almcneil]

You may be using the wrong CD. You didn't mention with version of XP but it sounds like Media Center. It prompts for a 2nd CD at one point. Once it's done reading the files, you return to the first.

I wouldn't worry about it if it can't find the right files. I'd just click cancel and the installation should complete. Once you complete the installation and boot to the Desktop you can then start checking for anything that is missing and go from there.

Best,
-- Andy

 

[TheJediSlayer]

Mm, you are right, it's a Windows Media Center edition 2005 with SP2 on it. However, I only have the one CD and it never prompts me for a second CD, either. Also, I did some investigating of my own and found these files on the disk that it had previously prompted me about not finding. It's just not simply copying them.

Thanks,

Tyler

P.S. It's never done this before now and finally I had SP3 on here when I used this CD. I've tried this repair install 2x now.


Alright, but it should of still copied over the new files and replaced them either way.

 

[almcneil]

... P.S. It's never done this before now and finally I had SP3 on here when I used this CD. I've tried this repair install 2x now.

There's your problem. You can't do a Windows repair using an installation CD with an earlier service pack than the one currently installed. You said you installed Service Pack 3 but are using a Windows XP MC with SP2. Can't do that. That's why you're getting the errors.

You're toast now. You're into the repair installation and cannot proceed. You must perform a Windows XP "in-place" re-installation or parallel installation and at least save your personal files. Your current installation is now corrupted beyond repair.

Also, do not install XP Service Pack 3 on the Media Center edition. There are reported issues and I had one customer it happened to him. Service Pack 3 will install cleanly on XP Home and XP Professional editions but NOT on XP Media Center.

Best,
-- Andy