Windows Vista & Windows XP

[TomNoel1961]

I have an M45 S355 Satellite.  Whenever I try to load Windows XP service pack 3 it tells me it is missing a file and asks me to use a disk to correct the problem.. This has been an on going issue from the release of service pack 3 on this unit.  If it does put service pack 3 in then the computer stops working and gives a message that it can't find the hard drive when it goes to boot up.  If a restore is done to bring the computer back to original factory restore,  it works great until Windows update asks to put Sp 3 in.  I can't figure out how to fix this problem and am hoping someone has a solution or maybe has experienced the same problem.

Thank you in advance for any help that can be provided.

[cee_64]

First thing to do is open up a command prompt then type in  chkdsk/r  and then hit enter.  Answer Y when asked if you want to run this the next time windows starts, then close all windows and reboot the system.  This will take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the size of the hard drive and how many errors it finds and has to correct. 

Once that is done open up another command prompt and type in  sfc / scannow and hit enter.  This coule take awhile as well. 

Now download the Network Install of SP3 and run it from the hard drive or from a CD.  Quite often this works better than installing SP3 via Windows Update. 

XP SP3 Network Install File. 

XP SP3 CD Image.

[Jerry_Lippey]

Satellite M45-S355

These may also be of value. 

   Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

   Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3

   How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3