After installing sp2, PC doesn't fully boot

[thehalfman]

Greetings,

I am having strange problems with my computer after downloading and installing Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. After downloading I installed according to their directions, but now every time I log in I get a little window with this message:

"Initiated by NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM

DCOM Server Process Launcher service terminated unexpectedly"

Followed by a countdown from one minute timer that restarts my computer. This doesn't even give me enough time to either System Restore or to Remove Service Pack 2.

Any ideas?

My system is a Dell Inspiron 5100 with 60gb hard drive and 512 memory, and Windows XP Pro installed.

Thanks.

[Statica]

Did you remember to check your system for spyware before you installed SP2? It is critical that you do so, else you will get errors such as these. Try this:
when your computer starts the countdown go to START > RUN > shutdown -a and press OK. That should abort the shutdown.
Download spybot s&d and run it on your system.

[thehalfman]

I used to be able to access the start menu for that minute, but now that doesn't even load. I could've had some sort of spyware on the computer.

So I am unable to access the start menu to abort the shutdown. Any other ideas?

[Statica]

Have you tried booting in safemode and trying it out?

[thehalfman]

Thanks, that helped. But now I'm finding I have an unending supply of spyware. Slowly I shall weed them out.

[Statica]

The issue is exactly the reason why we stress that SP2 must be installed on a clean system. There is more to SP2 than just a firewall enhancement and some frills, it changes the way a number of critical systems work - especially to strengthen the OS. The downside is that if you install SP2 to a dirty system, it's messy.

Good luck with it.

If you get it booting properly, I would suggest posting a Hijackthis log bak on a board for someone to give you an opinion on it. Read: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=103171 on posting HJT logs