20 replies to this topic

[James M. Fisher]

I have attempted to collect as many relevant SP2 links as I can and have them in one place for handy reference. And what better place than my website?   http://www.windowstalk.org/sp2.htmAlso:Longhorn/Vista News & Sites

Edited by James M. Fisher, 27 August 2005 - 08:45 PM.

[Cams]

Thanks for collating those links, Jim. Most helpful indeed.Cams

[James M. Fisher]

To be added:How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfullyhttp://support.micro...ct=windowsxpsp2(Thanks to M.G.!)

[Ed_P]

Excellent timing on that link James.  Thanks!!In using the Recovery Console I'm being prompted for the Admin password do you know what that would be on a Gateway?  Is there a default?  I responded with just the Enter key and was told that "the password is not valid".

[James M. Fisher]

EdP, on Aug 20 2004, 03:17 PM, said:

Excellent timing on that link James.  Thanks!!In using the Recovery Console I'm being prompted for the Admin password do you know what that would be on a Gateway?  Is there a default?  I responded with just the Enter key and was told that "the password is not valid".

Thanks, but I had a little help in discovering that particular link!   As for the password....I assume since it's a Gateway, XP came pre-installed. If so, companies like Gateway, Dell, IBM, etc. install XP en masse with a tool called SYSPREP. Please see this KB article:'The Password Is Not Valid' Error Message Appears When You Log On to Recovery Console in Windows XPhttp://support.micro...om/?kbid=308402I think it may help you..... If not, ask Jeber...he's with Gateway now.

[Ed_P]

Thank you Paracelsus!However, I don't understand how to do step 2.2) Enable Administrator to Log On Automatically in Recovery Console   

[Ed_P]

<Update>Yo da man, Paracelsus!!Your registry hack link was all I needed to do to resolve the Admin Password problem.  Unfortunately I was unable to see or do as much in Recovery Mode as I had hoped.Thank you very much for your assistance.  I'm off for a week so this problem will either be here waiting for me when I return or in someone's repair shop.  (And I'm kinda hoping for the latter but.... )

[Gus K]

Found this article which may be of interest:http://zdnet.com.com...04-5323378.html

[James M. Fisher]

Thanks Gus! I had come across this item earlier and have added it to my SP2 page. Here is what the article is speaking about:

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Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP Service Pack 2Windows® XP SP2 introduces new security technologies to better enable Windows XP computers to withstand viruses, worms and other kinds of attacks. This guide will assist IT Professionals to test and mitigate application compatibility issues arising from these more stringent security technologies.

[murphy2003]

Was wondering if SP 2 CD would cover SP 1 updates also?

[James M. Fisher]

murphy2003, on Aug 26 2004, 05:13 PM, said:

Was wondering if SP 2 CD would cover SP 1 updates also?

Sure will, old friend!   SP2 includes all previous updates/hotfixes, etc. You can apply SP2 to a base XP "gold" install; no need to install SP1 first.

[murphy2003]

Thanks James, always there for my questions,dumb or not.

[Eric Legge]

Here's a new one...Application Compatibility Testing GuideFor Windows XP Service Pack 2This is a hard-to-find and useful page available from:http://www.microsoft.com/downloadsApplication Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP Service Pack 2Windows® XP SP2 introduces new security technologies to better enable Windows XP computers to withstand viruses, worms and other kinds of attacks. This guide will assist IT Professionals to test and mitigate application compatibility issues arising from these more stringent security technologies.http://www.microsoft...&DisplayLang=enEric

[Ed_P]

Paracelsus, on Aug 21 2004, 09:37 AM, said:

Imagine that!  I actually provided some help for a change!!

BTW Paracelsus, not only have you helped, you've helped repeatedly.      I had to refer to this patch again today.As a follow up to my original problem;  a.) the problem pc did go to a repair shop and they were able to get it working again. (although there now appears to be other problems with it.    )   b.) the fix to the actual pc problem I was trying to correct appears to be another registry patch:Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RPCSSChange the OBJECTNAME value to "LocalSystem"I found this at http://www.ntcompati...ead28625-1.html posting #3.Maybe this will help someone else.

[hdwdlnd]

Hey Paracelsus,I ran into the same problem someone else was having several months ago and you helped them out.  I'm working on a Dell Dimension 4400 and I'm trying to get into the Rec. Console but I'm having that dell sysprep admin password problem.  I've already ran some well-known linux-based admin password overwrite tool (I don't remember the boot disk name) and now the password shows up as being blank but still can't access RC.  You posted a link to fix this problem but the link no longer works.  I was wondering what program download the link was in reference to and was also wondering if I could get my hands on said program.  Thanks.

[Ed_P]

Hey hdwdlnd.  The password fix that Paracelsus gave in this posting still works.  I just tried it.  Maybe it was busy when you tried.  The fix is no program or utility but rather a Registry hack.

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4) Select Start | Run, then type regedit    Go to:   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Setup  \RecoveryConsole   Change the SecurityLevel DWORD value data to 1. 5) Reboot the PC.

[epp_b]

Paul Thurott's SuperSite for Windows is a particularly good resource.  Specifically, the Longhorn info is here: http://www.winsupersite.com/longhorn/

[epp_b]

Microsoft Names Vista Editions: http://arstechnica.c...50910-5298.html(yeah, get ready for a good belly laugh while saying "that's so stupid!" )