Files that are required for Windows to run properly have been replaced by unrecognised versions. To maintain system stability Windows must restore the original versions of these files.

[blarty-fargo]

You are correct that updating to SP3 is a good thing, but this problem has been seen on both XP SP2 and SP3.

Your first post on page one of this thread, way back on 4th June, alerted the OP to that fact.

Is there now some info that updating to SP3 will improve matters?

[exbrit]

I have no idea, but it can only help considering SP2 is out of support.  There's not much point offering support to people whose systems are out of date to start with.

[astor]

Ex_Brit wrote:
I have no idea, but it can only help considering SP2 is out of support.  There's not much point offering support to people whose systems are out of date to start with.

I agree, and I'm not really asking for support.  I'm just highlighting my experiences.  Soon I will dump my old PC and the problem will be fixed permanently

I wish I could go one step more and dump Windows completely and move to a Mac.  Unfortunately I can't as I use a couple of applications that are only supported on Windows

Message was edited by: astor on 18/09/11 4:38:35 PM

[exbrit]

That's good.  I actually still have XP SP3 hanging around in the form of 2 virtual machines, just for old times' sake.   After all it isn't obsolete quite yet...until 2014 actually.

Should you want to try installing SP3 with McAfee inactive or uninstalled it might work should you be considering donating the machine.   If not then disregard.

Anyway, good luck.

on 18/09/11 8:49:35 EDT PM

[rabbit2]

The SP2/SP3 debate is something of a red herring in the context of this problem. McAfee home products system requirements for XP is SP2 (or higher). Whether it's wise to stick with SP2 or not is a different matter. Some people stay with SP2 because it works for them and a lack of support is therefore not an issue. If issues do arise, then they can move to SP3. Either way, McAfee should work.

[exbrit]

McAfee may not support SP2 only installation very much longer.   They usually follow Microsoft's support cycles with a year or so delay.    

[enmerkar]

Ex_Brit wrote:
McAfee may not support SP2 only installation very much longer.   They usually follow Microsoft's support cycles with a year or so delay.     

Irrelevant to this thread. People are here to discuss a problem with McAfee software, or rather report a problem with McAfee software.

[enmerkar]

At this point it's obvious that McAfee are not going to fix this software, let alone the damage it's caused.

[astor]

I just went to the McAfee home site and checked the system requirements.  It says:

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows XP (32-bit) with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or higher
• Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

So, yes the SP2 "issue" is indeed a red hearing, and should not be used as an excuse for customers reporting issues.  Having said that, it would be wise for other reasons to either upgrade to SP3, or get a W7 PC.  However, this does not let McAfee off the hook, unless they change the system requirements as reported on their own website.

[enmerkar]

astor wrote:
However, this does not let McAfee off the hook, unless they change the system requirements as reported on their own website.

That wouldn't let them off the hook either.