Wondows XP Service packs 2 & 3

Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now my
windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no longer
secure. Of course then the solution is to download the service packs. I
attempt to download the service packs and keep getting error messages. If I
try to download SP3 which states it has the previous versions included the
error message comes up that the setup has detected the version of sp
installed is lower than necessary. then states I need service pack 2 at
least. When I try to install SP 2 it will not complete. So I am stuck with
this issue. Any help? By the way I did look for the things that were listed
to uninstall due to errors, they were not on my computer. I am going nuts.
cannot sign in on my aim etc. on this computer because of these issues.

JS
Fri Aug 22 19:59:12 PDT 2008

Your PC must have SP1 or SP2 installed prior to installing SP3.

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

I would also create an "Image Backup" of my drive prior
to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.
Don't have any Image Backup software:
Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
the most recent version.

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Where to download SP3
SP3 file download:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en
Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
Pack 3'
Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
or SP2."

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service
Pack 3 (SP3)
(For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx

Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack
3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Forum:
(Post your issues here)
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=2010&SiteID=17

JS
www.pagestart.com



"Candy B." <Candy B. @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9EBB76E2-2A79-4FC7-B676-28320AFEA7C9@microsoft.com...
> Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now my
> windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no
> longer
> secure. Of course then the solution is to download the service packs. I
> attempt to download the service packs and keep getting error messages. If
> I
> try to download SP3 which states it has the previous versions included the
> error message comes up that the setup has detected the version of sp
> installed is lower than necessary. then states I need service pack 2 at
> least. When I try to install SP 2 it will not complete. So I am stuck
> with
> this issue. Any help? By the way I did look for the things that were
> listed
> to uninstall due to errors, they were not on my computer. I am going
> nuts.
> cannot sign in on my aim etc. on this computer because of these issues.

Daave
Fri Aug 22 20:13:39 PDT 2008

"Candy B." <Candy B. @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9EBB76E2-2A79-4FC7-B676-28320AFEA7C9@microsoft.com...
> Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now
> my
> windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no
> longer
> secure.

It's quite possible you *didn't* get rid of the "worm virus or
something."

Very often malware pretends to be Windows warnings.

What is the *exact* message? And would you be able to properly identify
whatever issues your PC had? The more detailed the information you
provide, the better quality help you will receive.

> Of course then the solution is to download the service packs.

A major upgrade like the installation of a new service pack should be
undertaken only after you have done all the proper preparation,
including making a backup (preferably an image of your hard drive). The
Microsoft newsgroups have many threads discussing best prcatices. Here's
a useful post:

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/7384a1d93f535975?hl=en

Kayman
Sat Aug 23 01:52:14 PDT 2008

On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:50:00 -0700, Candy B. wrote:

> Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now my
> windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no longer
> secure. Of course then the solution is to download the service packs. I
> attempt to download the service packs and keep getting error messages. If I
> try to download SP3 which states it has the previous versions included the
> error message comes up that the setup has detected the version of sp
> installed is lower than necessary. then states I need service pack 2 at
> least. When I try to install SP 2 it will not complete. So I am stuck with
> this issue. Any help? By the way I did look for the things that were listed
> to uninstall due to errors, they were not on my computer. I am going nuts.
> cannot sign in on my aim etc. on this computer because of these issues.

Your computer is infected with malware. Any attempt upgrading your
operating system will fail!
Reformatting of HDD is the preferred course of action!

"The only way to clean a compromised system is to flatten and rebuild.
Thatÿs right. If you have a system that has been completely compromised,
the only thing you can do is to flatten the system (reformat the system
disk) and rebuild it from scratch (re-install Windows and your
applications)..."
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/secmgmt/sm0504.mspx

There are however a number of valid reasons where this may not be possible
or achievable. Not everybody is technically versed to do so or has an
experienced acquaintance who may be able to assist. There are many users
who reside in less developed environments where professional help just does
not exist or is very hard to come by. Therefore, a user may find the
procedures as per:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows
too overwhelming and shy away from the perceived complexeties of
re-installing the OS.
The procedures as per:
http://www.claymania.com/removal-trojan-adware.html
(especially David's MULTI_AV Tool) have had helped solving malware issues
for uncountable users for many years; And is (IMO) the next best thing to
flatten and rebuild an operating system. It can keep you going until
experienced and/or professional is available for thorough examination
and/or reformatting of HDD.

Other quality Standalone Malware Scanners are:
Kaspersky® AVPTool
http://avptool.virusinfo.info/en/
http://downloads5.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
There's no updating involved since the scanning engine is updated
several times a day and you simply download the updated scanner whenever
you want to do a scan.
and
Dr.Web CureIt!® Utility - FREE
http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/
and
Malwarebytes© Corporation - Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe

SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

Once the scanners are updated it is suggested to scan in Safe-Mode.

If your operating system is considered 'clean' read/implement:-

Things to do prior downloadin/installing SP3.
1.Make an Image backup of the hard drive/Windows Partition before you
install SP3
2.Test your System Restore to see if it is working correctly.
3.Make absolutely sure the machine's free of any hijackware, Trojan, or
virus infections before installing SP3.
4.Run Disk Cleanup then run a Defrag session before installing SP3.
5.Disable all real-time protections (anti-virus; anti-spyware;third-party
firewall) before downloading/installing SP3.
6.Reboot twice after installing SP3.
7.Run another Defrag.

Detailed information:
WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

Good luck :)

CandyB
Sun Aug 24 19:10:01 PDT 2008



"Daave" wrote:

Hi Yes I do have the exact error message. I am not by any means an expert
on computers but am capable of keeping my computer clean most of the time. I
am unsure where this virus came from except I am online and have files sent
over the internet. I have never had an issue like this since the majority of
the files are from people I know and have done business with. Of course
there just has to be one in there. However here is the exact message:

setup has detected that the version of the service pack installed on your
computer is lower than what is necessary to apply this hot fix at minimum you
must have service pack 2 installed.

I have service pack 1 installed and the computer simply will not allow me to
install either service pack 2 or 3. I am pulling out my hair here. I even
decided to reformat the computer, it went through the whole reformat only to
come up with same files as before and same issues. As usual my sons have
taken off with my windows keys and now instead of just reinstalling directly
from the disk which is what I want to do, I cannot due to the key being
missing in my sons flippin bedroom. Thanks for your help I am going to try
the suggestions listed. Any other help would be most appreciated. Candy B.
>

Daave
Sun Aug 24 20:50:59 PDT 2008


"Candy B." <CandyB@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A5FED75-CC38-44CC-B30F-C3C51F287D99@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Daave" wrote:
>
> Hi Yes I do have the exact error message. I am not by any means an
> expert
> on computers but am capable of keeping my computer clean most of the
> time. I
> am unsure where this virus came from except I am online and have files
> sent
> over the internet. I have never had an issue like this since the
> majority of
> the files are from people I know and have done business with. Of
> course
> there just has to be one in there. However here is the exact message:
>
> setup has detected that the version of the service pack installed on
> your
> computer is lower than what is necessary to apply this hot fix at
> minimum you
> must have service pack 2 installed.
>
> I have service pack 1 installed and the computer simply will not allow
> me to
> install either service pack 2 or 3. I am pulling out my hair here. I
> even
> decided to reformat the computer, it went through the whole reformat
> only to
> come up with same files as before and same issues. As usual my sons
> have
> taken off with my windows keys and now instead of just reinstalling
> directly
> from the disk which is what I want to do, I cannot due to the key
> being
> missing in my sons flippin bedroom. Thanks for your help I am going
> to try
> the suggestions listed. Any other help would be most appreciated.
> Candy B.

Okay, that's much more clear! :-)

The message you included above is legit. Apparently, you are trying to
upgrade a Gold version (i.e., pre-SP1) of Windows XP to SP3. This cannot
be done, unfotunately. You need to first upgrade to SP1 or SP2, *then*
you can upgarde to SP3. I know it's a pain, but that is how it's done.

That being said, your original post reveals several issues. You said:

"Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now
my
windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no
longer
secure. Of course then the solution is to download the service packs."

While the message "setup has detected that the version of the service
pack..." is legit, the other one you reference (and you still have yet
to tell us the exact wording!) sure sounds like a case of malware to me.
Have a look:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/forums/spyfalcon1.gif

The above is an example of a Smitfraud infection, where malicious
software tries to pass itself off as a Windows alert.

Your system is still infected. You can either flatten and rebuild with a
clean install or try to correctly heal the infection. Both will take
consdierable effort. If you decide to fight the malware, please look at
the following information on how to run two specific diagnostic tools
and where to post the logs for expert help, courtesy of David H. Lipman:

Forums where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) and
Deckard's System Scanner
Logs.

NOTE: Registration is REQUIRED in any of the below before posting a log

Suggested primary:
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0

Suggested secondary:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7

Suggested tertiary:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25
http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malware_Removal_HiJackThis_Logs_Go_Here-f37.html
http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum/index.php?showforum=170
http://forum.networktechs.com/forumdisplay.php?f=130
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showforum=18
http://forums.techguy.org/f54-s.html
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php?showforum=18
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
http://makephpbb.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=2
http://forums.techguy.org/54-security/
http://forums.security-central.us/forumdisplay.php?f=13

--------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "my sons have taken off with my
windows keys." There should be only one key and ideally it is printed on
a Certificate of Authenticity sticker affixed to your PC.

I suppose you need to decide whether or not you want to reinstall
Windows. If you decide to perform a clean install, just follow the
instructions here:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Good luck.

Kayman
Mon Aug 25 01:17:03 PDT 2008

On Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:50:59 -0400, Daave wrote:

> Forums where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) and
> Deckard's System Scanner

"We found that a recent rootkit infection has been interfering with
Deckard's System Scanner (DSS) resulting in possible damage to the
Operating System. As such, we have pulled DSS from service, and strongly
suggest you delete DSS.exe from your systems.
We shall publish news of an updated DSS.exe as it becomes available."
http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showtopic=11656

Daave
Mon Aug 25 06:35:15 PDT 2008

"Kayman" <kaymanDeleteThis@operamail.com> wrote in message
news:ucWwxroBJHA.1632@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> On Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:50:59 -0400, Daave wrote:
>
>> Forums where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) and
>> Deckard's System Scanner
>
> "We found that a recent rootkit infection has been interfering with
> Deckard's System Scanner (DSS) resulting in possible damage to the
> Operating System. As such, we have pulled DSS from service, and
> strongly
> suggest you delete DSS.exe from your systems.
> We shall publish news of an updated DSS.exe as it becomes available."
> http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showtopic=11656

Wow! That's amazing. Thanks for posting.

CandyB
Mon Aug 25 13:54:11 PDT 2008

I did write the exact error message it is the one about needing at least
service pack 2 installed. I have also tried to install SP 2 with no luck. I
am going to go to the sites you have recommended and get rid of whatever
needs to be gotten rid of. I will conquer...lol...I have never had a problem
such as this one before. I suspect my sons have a bit to do with what is
going on. But I do download stuff too, so not pointing fingers here. I will
look at the sites you have recommended and get rid of malware...I am
frustrated because I went to reformat the computer and it went through the
process only to appear exactly as it was before the program ran through. So
I was going to just reinstall everything cleanly..of course do I have my key
to my windows disk...NOOOOOO....and of course no one is admitting to ever
seen it before. So pardon the break while I smack my sons around for being
little snots and removing vital information from my software. Thank you
Daave for your help I will work on this some more and perhaps something will
shake loose and allow me to fix this computer. I have never ever had issues
such as this before. I can only assume it is a particularly vicious virus.
Thanks.

"Daave" wrote:

However here is the exact message:
> >
> > setup has detected that the version of the service pack installed on
> > your
> > computer is lower than what is necessary to apply this hot fix at
> > minimum you
> > must have service pack 2 installed.
> >
> > I have service pack 1 installed and the computer simply will not allow
> > me to
> > install either service pack 2 or 3. I am pulling out my hair here. I
> > even
> > decided to reformat the computer, it went through the whole reformat
> > only to
> > come up with same files as before and same issues. As usual my sons
> > have
> > taken off with my windows keys and now instead of just reinstalling
> > directly
> > from the disk which is what I want to do, I cannot due to the key
> > being
> > missing in my sons flippin bedroom. Thanks for your help I am going
> > to try
> > the suggestions listed. Any other help would be most appreciated.
> > Candy B.
>
> Okay, that's much more clear! :-)
>
> The message you included above is legit. Apparently, you are trying to
> upgrade a Gold version (i.e., pre-SP1) of Windows XP to SP3. This cannot
> be done, unfotunately. You need to first upgrade to SP1 or SP2, *then*
> you can upgarde to SP3. I know it's a pain, but that is how it's done.
>
> That being said, your original post reveals several issues. You said:
>
> "Had some computer issues, worm virus or something..got rid of it. Now
> my
> windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows is no
> longer
> secure. Of course then the solution is to download the service packs."
>
> While the message "setup has detected that the version of the service
> pack..." is legit, the other one you reference (and you still have yet
> to tell us the exact wording!) sure sounds like a case of malware to me.
> Have a look:
>
> http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/forums/spyfalcon1.gif
>
> The above is an example of a Smitfraud infection, where malicious
> software tries to pass itself off as a Windows alert.
>
> Your system is still infected. You can either flatten and rebuild with a
> clean install or try to correctly heal the infection. Both will take
> consdierable effort. If you decide to fight the malware, please look at
> the following information on how to run two specific diagnostic tools
> and where to post the logs for expert help, courtesy of David H. Lipman:
>
> Forums where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) and
> Deckard's System Scanner
> Logs.
>
> NOTE: Registration is REQUIRED in any of the below before posting a log
>
> Suggested primary:
> http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
>
> Suggested secondary:
> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
> http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
> http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7
>
> Suggested tertiary:
> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
> http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25
> http://www.atribune.org/forums/index.php?showforum=9
> http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malware_Removal_HiJackThis_Logs_Go_Here-f37.html
> http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum/index.php?showforum=170
> http://forum.networktechs.com/forumdisplay.php?f=130
> http://forums.maddoktor2.com/index.php?showforum=17
> http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
> http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?showforum=18
> http://forums.techguy.org/f54-s.html
> http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
> http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7
> http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/index.php?showforum=18
> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
> http://makephpbb.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=2
> http://forums.techguy.org/54-security/
> http://forums.security-central.us/forumdisplay.php?f=13
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "my sons have taken off with my
> windows keys." There should be only one key and ideally it is printed on
> a Certificate of Authenticity sticker affixed to your PC.
>
> I suppose you need to decide whether or not you want to reinstall
> Windows. If you decide to perform a clean install, just follow the
> instructions here:
>
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
>
> Good luck.
>
>
>

CandyB
Mon Aug 25 13:58:12 PDT 2008



"Kayman" wrote:

Hi thanks for your answers. I am capable of reformatting my computer and as
such yesterday went through the whole set up to do so. The computer went
through as it was reformatting only to restart with the same stuff that was
on it and nothing had changed. So I am going to just do a clean sweep of it
all and do a total reinstall. Problem here...well it seems my windows key
has gone on a walkabout with no one in the house hold able to tell me when it
was last seen. So....man I love having kids. So now I try to remove the
malware and any remaining virus and do another reformat and see if that
works. thanks for all your help. Candy

Kayman
Mon Aug 25 17:19:07 PDT 2008

On Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:58:12 -0700, Candy B. wrote:

> "Kayman" wrote:
>
> Hi thanks for your answers. I am capable of reformatting my computer and as
> such yesterday went through the whole set up to do so. The computer went
> through as it was reformatting only to restart with the same stuff that was
> on it and nothing had changed. So I am going to just do a clean sweep of it
> all and do a total reinstall. Problem here...well it seems my windows key
> has gone on a walkabout with no one in the house hold able to tell me when it
> was last seen.

'Keyfinder' will assist:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/

> So....man I love having kids. So now I try to remove the
> malware and any remaining virus and do another reformat and see if that
> works.

If you're flatten and rebuild your operating system than there is no need
for any malware scans. Wiping/reformatting HDD should remove *everything*
from the drive.

Read my previous post as well

Good luck :)

Daave
Mon Aug 25 20:36:24 PDT 2008

I think I might be missing something here.

I am aware of the exact text one of the messages:

"setup has detected that the version of the service pack installed on
your computer [actually, "system"] is lower than what is necessary to
apply this hot fix at minimum you must have service pack 2 installed."

That message is legit and you see it because it is impossible to upgrade
to SP3 unless you are upgrading from SP1 or SP2. Even if you were to
"flatten and rebuild" -- that is, perform a clean install -- you will
still get that message if you attempt to go straight to SP3. Before you
do so, you first need to upgrade to either SP1 or SP2.

But I don't know the exact text of the other message you referenced:

"Now my windows icon at the bottom keeps saying this version of windows
is no longer secure."

Is this related to the other message? I Googled the text, and it appears
that it is. If so, it's possible you have removed your previous malware.
But since I can't look at your PC, I can't know for sure.

Assuming your PC is 100% malware-free (keep in mind there are those who
say it's impossible to be 100% sure), then all you need to do is install
SP1 or SP2 (I recommend SP2). Once that is successful, you may upgrade
to SP3. It's not crucial that you do so immediately (assuming you are up
to date with SP2 and its subsequent patches), but it's something you
should do before year's end.

See "WINDOWS XP SERVICE PACK 2 FAQs & BEST PRACTICES":

http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/sp2faq.php

Then, once you have SP2, read the following when you are ready to
install SP3:

(For those who have PCs with AMD processors and OEM images, especially
HPs:)

"Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?"

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6zs52d )


"Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation"

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6nf4k4 )


"Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717


"Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)" (Free Microsoft
support for SP3-related issues)

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

(or http://tinyurl.com/6cw2xk )

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Finally, what is the make and model of your PC? PC's normally have the
COA sticker (which contains the Product Key) affixed to the case. If
not, the PC is usually one that is custom-built. And which XP
installation disk do you have? Please provide detail.



"Candy B." <CandyB@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:5EFF6383-F6A0-4299-A7FD-96E498AB7378@microsoft.com...
>I did write the exact error message it is the one about needing at
>least
> service pack 2 installed. I have also tried to install SP 2 with no
> luck. I
> am going to go to the sites you have recommended and get rid of
> whatever
> needs to be gotten rid of. I will conquer...lol...I have never had a
> problem
> such as this one before. I suspect my sons have a bit to do with what
> is
> going on. But I do download stuff too, so not pointing fingers here.
> I will
> look at the sites you have recommended and get rid of malware...I am
> frustrated because I went to reformat the computer and it went through
> the
> process only to appear exactly as it was before the program ran
> through. So
> I was going to just reinstall everything cleanly..of course do I have
> my key
> to my windows disk...NOOOOOO....and of course no one is admitting to
> ever
> seen it before. So pardon the break while I smack my sons around for
> being
> little snots and removing vital information from my software. Thank
> you
> Daave for your help I will work on this some more and perhaps
> something will
> shake loose and allow me to fix this computer. I have never ever had
> issues
> such as this before. I can only assume it is a particularly vicious
> virus.