I’ll start by saying I’ve just performed a fresh install of Windows XP Pro(SP2). Everything with the install went fine, and the computer booted up as one would expect it to. However, when I performed the first of the Windows updates:
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Update for Windows (KB898461)
the computer would not boot properly. It would loop to the boot options screen:
Safe Mode
Last Known Configuration
Start Windows Normally
I was only able to boot into Safe Mode. Once booted into Safe Mode, I uninstalled the “Update for Windows (KB898461)” update. I then restarted the computer and the computer booted fine. I then randomly restarted the computer and experienced the same issue of being looped to the boot options screen. My only successful option was again to boot into Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode I simply restarted the computer. The computer booted into Windows just fine. So once again I restarted the computer and again I get looped to the boot options screen. I wound up removing all of the Windows updates. I then restarted the computer and have had no boot problems since.
Some side notes: I do see the Windows Splash screen each time, “Start Windows Normally” option does not do anything but loop me back to the boot options screen, as does the “Last Known Good Configuration” option. I also have not “Activated” Windows yet. However, I’ve been able to successfully download and install Windows updates before “Activating” on other machines.
If anyone would know why this is, and provide some suggestions for a solution it would be much appreciated.
