Problem Updating to Windows XP SP2

**Troubled** · #1 20th Feb 2009, 01:06

Hi ....

I Use a

Microsoft Windows Xp
Professional x64 Edition
Service Pack 1

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU
Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
2.40 GHz, 4.00 Gb of RAM

I wanted to update to SP2 so i downloaded the update from the microsoft site ... when i ran the update i got a message :

"the core system file (kernel) used to start this computer is not a microsoft windows file."

When I searched it on the micosoft site I found an update/hotfix for it "Update for Windows XP KB896256 " ....

I downloaded that and tried to install it but i got the message that "This KB896256 is for a different hardware platform"

i want to upgrade to sp2 without formatting my pc and install a fresh copy ....

can any one suggest a solution ..

**philthomas** · #2 20th Feb 2009, 05:26

The Hotfix you refer to is not for x64 and it is applicable to machines with SP2 ... also it is a fix for processor power management features/performance, so I dont see how this will help in your situation.

The first question is .... " Is this a genuine version of XP Pro 64 ?"

**Troubled** · #3 21st Feb 2009, 09:35

Yup.....

Got no complaints from genuine advantage + the copy gets updated through automatic update .....

**philthomas** · #4 21st Feb 2009, 10:17

Have you got any third party programs installed that either change your Theme or Boot screen .... if so have a read here and see if it helps.

Out of interest, why are you trying to install SP2 and not SP3 ?

**Troubled** · #5 21st Feb 2009, 22:58

Thank U .....

The link was a big help .......

Apparently it was TuneUp utilities the caused the problem....

Well I'm using Windows Xp pro x64 Edition ... It does not have a SP 3 .....

**philthomas** · #6 22nd Feb 2009, 04:43

Sorry .... I forgot that

Glad it helped out.

**Bubba** · #7 22nd Feb 2009, 07:33

It amazes me that none of the three guys in that link you provided Phil are old enough to vote. They are 14, 16, and 17. And folks look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them I'm starting to teach my daughter how to do more the turn it on and click on her favorite Disney game because she is only 6.

Nice link, I bookmarked it in my computer tech sites folder.

**philthomas** · #8 22nd Feb 2009, 11:12

Yep .... they sure are young ..... I can remember sitting my lad at the PC, with a joystick, when he was still in nappies (diapers to you) ..... I think I brainwashed him, because he now knows more than me