Nightmare during Sp2 update

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

From: Steve Trevethan (Druss477_at_icqmail.com)
Date: 12/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 12:28:22 GMT

Hi Folks,
1st time on here. I have a major problem with an SP2 update that has
gone horribly wrong.

The machine was running fine with XP (oem version including service pack
1a). Convinced to update to SP2.

The update went through the unpacking and copying files bit ok. When it
came to the 1st reboot the machine hung in the splash screen of the
reboot. Left it for ages to make up its own mind but eventually hit the
reset button. Now, booting from the hard drive gives 'safe mode' etc
options, including recover from last good point. However any option
chosen on this menu results in the hang at the same splash screen.

Thinking I could fix this by booting from original cd, it only gets
worse! Cd boots but choosing install or recover option gives error
message saying (in effect) 'cannot find a hard drive on your machine"
What?????? I says!

The machine is setup with dvd writer as master on ide0 and dvd-rom drive
as master on ide1. The hard drive is on the on-board sata controller. It
appears the boot cd cannot find the sata hard drive?

The bios part of the boot sequence finds everything ok and seems to work
fine.
I am using XP for the 1st time so have no experience with it, also 1st
time sata hd user. If anyone can suggest a solution to either stage of
the problem I would be very grateful!
Cheers,
Paul.

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