Good info. My guess is that you may have a composite of SP2 and SP3 files on
your system, since SP3 never installed or was removed correctly. To add to this
mess, if you had IE7 installed when you repaired, using the WinXP SP2 disc, this
too could be adding to your problems.
I suggest another repair installation. This time be sure that IE7 is
uninstalled, you are disconnected from the internet, and you follow the
procedures of the following tech article:
How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341
I'd suggest using the procedure outlined in method 2 in the above article.
If this secondary repair procedure does not solve your problem, you may want to
consider a clean install of the system and all of your applications.
In this case, here's the approach I recommend:
Backup your existing drivers to an external USB drive, using the freeware
utility Drivermax
http://www.innovative-sol.com/drivermax/index.htm
Backup your files and settings using WinXP's native FAST utility. Save this data
to the same USB drive. See this article for a complete tutorial. Be sure to use
the same and latest version of the wizard on both systems.
http://winsupportcenter.com/win5/a/fast.htm
Backup any other data you consider critical or unique to the same USB drive.
Wipe your HDD clean. The WinXP installation disc will do this for you.
Install Windows XP
Install Drivermax
Restore all of your drivers
Install your applications. If you happen to install an older driver, use
Drivermax to re-install your saved version.
Run the FAST utility to restore all files and settings that you chose to save.
Note: Passwords are not saved, by design. You will need to re-enter them.
After you have a stable SP2 system again, you can then install SP3. I found the
easiest way is via a CD, created from the downloaded ISO file. In this way, you
can disconnect from the internet and safely disable your anti-virus application
(a very important step).
Here are some helpful SP3 links, (courtesy of TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update
Services )
Information -
Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929
The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311
Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
Some third-party programs may experience a change in functionality after you
install
Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947309
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...CE-B5FB-4488-8C50-FE22559D164E&displaylang=en
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and
Developers
(Single installations for PCs can use the same file)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en
If required - where to get assistance -
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows
XP, but
only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is valid until April 14,
2009. For
more information about this policy, visit the Windows XP Support Lifecycle page
located at
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223. Chat and e-mail support is
available only
in the United States and Canada. For all other Windows XP issues, visit the Help
and
Support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173, and
then choose
your product.
.. US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
.. CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131
.. UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-uk&prid=11273&gprid=522131
.. AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131
.. Other:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173
select Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3
--
Good luck!
P.S. After you successfully install SP3 on your system, you should create a new
WinXP disc with SP3 slipstreamed into it. The details for this procedure are for
another day.