How to perform a Windows XP Repair Install if Internet Explorer 7 or 8 Installed

In this blog post I will describe how to perform a Repair Install for Windows XP if Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is installed.

Uninstall Internet Explorer before performing a Repair Install

One should try to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 before attempting a repair installation of Windows XP. There are two methods you can use, one is using the Add / Remove Programs applet and the other is using the Recovery Console if you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer by using the Add / Remove Programs applet.

Method One – Add / Remove Programs

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

Method Two – Recovery Console

1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
   • Windows Internet Explorer 8
     1. Type CD ie8\spuninst.
     2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
     3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
     4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   • Windows Internet Explorer 7
     1. Type CD ie7\spuninst.
     2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
     3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
     4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

Uninstalling Internet Explorer if a Repair Install of Windows XP has been Performed

If you have performed a Repair Install for Windows XP and Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is installed then Internet Explorer may not function or function correctly. You will need to uninstall Internet Explorer using one of the described scenarios.

Check What Service Pack is Installed after a Repair Install

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type winver in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   In the About Box, the Service Pack level for Windows XP will be listed. If there is no Service Pack listed then Windows XP has no Service Pack installed.

If Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 is Installed

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

   If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is not listed in the Add / Remove Programs applet then follow the appropriate directions.

   1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 8
        1. Type CD ie8\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 7
        1. Type CD ie7\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

If Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 is not Installed

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard
   

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

   If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is not listed in the Add / Remove Programs applet then follow the appropriate directions.

   1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 8
        1. Type CD \Windows\ie8\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard
      • Windows Internet Explorer 7
        1. Type CD \Windows\ie7\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP
• How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console
• Internet Explorer 8 released today for Windows XP – March 19, 2009

Version 1.1
Edited: May 17, 2012

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP

You may need to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP for various reasons. In this blog post I will describe how to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8 in a few different scenarios.

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8.
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

   

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
5. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
2. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

3. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
4. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
5. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Safe Mode Method

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8.
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

    

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
5. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Start the computer in Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog article for instructions.
2. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
3. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

4. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
5. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
6. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Recovery Console Method

1. Boot to the Windows XP Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog article for instructions.
2. At the Recovery Console prompt, type CD ie8\spuninst.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Type batch spuninst.txt.
5. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
6. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.
7. If you are able to login then proceed with one of the following steps:

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

   

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process

Command Prompt Method

1. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
3. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
4. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
2. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

3. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
4. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
5. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore
• How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode
• How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console
• How to perform a Windows XP Repair Install if Internet Explorer 7 or 8 Installed
• Internet Explorer 8 released today for Windows XP – March 19, 2009

Version 1.2
Edited: May 16, 2012

How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console

Windows XP Recovery Console is a very useful tool that helps you to fix your computer when you cannot boot the computer or log into your user account. The Recovery Console can uninstall Windows Updates such as Hotfixes and Service Packs, check specific drives, change or list Service’s start up configurations, expand files, rebuild boot entries, simple management of partitions, repair the boot sector on the system partition and repair the master boot record of the boot partition. In this blog post I will describe how to start the Windows XP Recovery Console from the bootable retail Windows XP Installation media.

NOTE

Booting from the Windows XP Installation media provided by OEMs may not provide the Windows XP Recovery Console.

Requirements

• Administrator Password
• Bootable Windows XP Installation media
• Floppy Drive and Floppy Media with SATA drivers if SATA drivers are required

Starting the Windows XP Recovery Console

1. Ensure the BIOS is set to boot from the CD / DVD drive. Refer to the Manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Insert Windows XP Installation CD and start the computer.
3. Press ANY Key to boot from the Windows XP Installation CD when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below.

    

4. Press F6and insert the floppy media if SATA drivers are required. Refer to Image below.

   

5. Press R to enter the Windows XP Recovery Control. Refer to Image below.

    

6. Select the Windows Installation for the Recovery Console to use when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below. Most users will typically see one installation, therefore, press 1on your keyboard.

    

7. Enter the Administrator’s password. Refer to Image below. If you do not remember setting the password for the built-in Administrator password then try no password (blank) and press ENTER.

   

8. When completing your Recovery Console tasks then type EXIT to reboot the computer.

   

Available Commands

To see a list of available commands for the Recovery Console, type HELP at the Recovery Console prompt. If you need more help for an available command, type HELP CommandName at the Recovery Console prompt.

Version 1.1
Edited: May 16, 2012

How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore

Windows XP System Restore can restore Windows XP to an earlier time such as a few days ago. Restoring Window XP to an earlier state can be very useful if something goes wrong such as an update or driver causing your computer not to boot properly. In this blog post I will describe how to restore Windows XP to an earlier state using a System Restore point in a few different ways.

System Restore Method

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

   NOTE

   The System Restore window should open.

2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time. Refer to Image below.

    

3. Click Next to choose the System Restore point.
4. Select the System Restore Point to restore Windows XP to an earlier time. Refer to Image below.

    

5. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
6. Confirm the System Restore point and click Next to start the System Restore process. Refer to Image below.

    

7. Windows XP will automatically reboot and show the progress of System Restore. Refer to Image below.

    

8. If Windows XP System Restore was successful then a successful message will appear when logging onto Windows XP. Refer to Image below.

   

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Safe Mode Method

1. Boot Windows XP into Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog for directions.
2. When logged on then select No to launch System Restore. Refer to Image below.

    

3. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt Method

1. Boot Windows XP into Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog for directions using the Safe Mode with Command Prompt Method.
2. Type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe in the Command Prompt window.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode

Version 1.1
Edited: May 16, 2012

How To Uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP

There a few different ways of uninstalling Service Pack 3 for Windows XP and in this post I will describe how perform the necessary steps.

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Method One – Use "Add or Remove Programs" Applet

Using the Add or Remove Programs applet is the most common way to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.

1. Click Start and then Run.
2. Type control appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box to open the Add or Remove Programs applet.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. The Add or Remove Programs applet will open, locate and select Windows XP Service Pack 3, refer to image below.

   

5. Click Remove to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
6. Click Next in the Software Update Removal Wizard window to start uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Refer to image below.

   

7. Click Finish in the Software Update Removal Wizard window to reboot and complete the uninstall of Service Pack 3.

Method Two – Use the Service Pack 3 Uninstall Command

Using the Service Pack 3 uninstall command is exactly like using Add or Remove Programs applet to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP but you are entering the uninstall command in the Run dialog box.

1. Click Start and then Run.
2. Type %systemroot%\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe in the Run dialog box to start the uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.

   NOTE

   You may need to show hidden files and folders to see the $NtServicePackUninstall$ folder. For more information on how to show hidden files and folders, see "Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows XP".

    

3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. When the Software Update Removal Wizard window open then click Next. Refer to image below.

   

5. Click Remove to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
6. Click Next in the Software Update Removal Wizard window to start uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Refer to image below.

   

7. Click Finish in the Software Update Removal Wizard window to reboot and complete the uninstall of Service Pack 3.

Method Three – Use Windows XP System Restore

Using the Windows XP System Restore would be the last resort to try to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. System Restore will only work if the restore point for Service Pack 3 has not been purged from the system. Restore points are purge after 90 days of the restore point or when System Restore space is at its maximum resulting in the oldest restore point being purge for the new restore point.

1. Click Start and open System Restore (All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore).
2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next to select a restore point.
3. Locate and select the entry for Windows XP Service 3.

   NOTE

   If you used Windows Update or Automatic Updates then the restore point is named Software Distribution Service 3.0.

    

4. When the restore point has been selected then click Next.
5. Click Next to start the system restore process.

   NOTE

   When System Restore completes then your computer will restart.

    

6. When the computer has restarted then System Restore will display a successful or unsuccessful message. Refer to image below.

   

Method Four – Use Windows XP System Restore at a Command Prompt

Using the Windows XP System Restore would be the last resort to try to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. System Restore will only work if the restore point for Service Pack 3 has not been purged from the system. Restore points are purge after 90 days of the restore point or when System Restore space is at its maximum resulting in the oldest restore point being purge for the new restore point.

1. Start you computer, press F8 to select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
2. After logging into Windows XP with an account that Administrative privileges, a Command Prompt window should open.
3. Type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe to open System Restore.
4. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next to select a restore point.
5. Locate and select the entry for Windows XP Service 3.

   NOTE

   If you used Windows Update or Automatic Updates then the restore point is named Software Distribution Service 3.0.

    

6. When the restore point has been selected then click Next.
7. Click Next to start the system restore process.

   NOTE

   When System Restore completes then your computer will restart.

    

8. When the computer has restarted then System Restore will display a successful or unsuccessful message. Refer to Image below.

   

Method Five – Use Windows XP Recovery Console

Using the Windows XP Recovery Console is a good solution to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP when your computer will boot or start correctly after you have installed Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. You will need your Windows XP installation CD and have your BIOS to boot from the CD first. Refer to your computer manual on how to set the Boot device and priority.

1. Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD Drive and boot from the Windows XP CD.
2. Press R to enter into the Recovery Console, refer to image below.

   

3. Select the Windows installation to use the Recovery Console. Refer to image below.

   

4. Type the administrative password.

   NOTE

   For most users the administrative password is blank (nothing). Simply press ENTER on the keyboard.

    

5. At the prompt, type chdir $NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst.
6. Type batch spuninst.txt to start the uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
7. When the uninstall process has completed then remove the Windows XP CD from the CD drive.
8. Type EXIT to restart the computer and complete the uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
9. If the computer boots or starts correctly then remove Service Pack 3 via Add or Remove Programs to completely remove Service Pack 3 for Windows XP . Refer to ‘Method 1 – Use "Add or Remove Programs" Applet‘ for detailed instructions.

Method Six – Use BartPE Recovery CD

Using the BartPE Recovery CD is a good solution to uninstall Service Pack 3 for Windows XP when your computer will not boot or start correctly after you have installed Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. You will need to create a BartPE Recovery CD and have your BIOS to boot from the CD first. Refer to your computer manual on how to set the Boot device and priority. Please visit "Bart’s Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD" to learn about how to create your own BartPE Recovery CD with your Windows XP CD.

1. Insert your BartPE Recovery CD into your CD Drive and boot from the BartPE Recovery CD.
2. Click Go to select A43 File Management Utility (Programs > A43 Management File Utility).
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\%NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst.
4. Rename spuninst.txt to spuninst.bat.
5. Click Go to select Command Prompt (CMD).
6. Type C:\Windows\%NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.bat to start the uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
7. Rename spuninst.bat back to spuninst.txt.
8. When the uninstall process has completed then remove the BartPE Recovery CD from the CD drive.
9. Restart the computer and complete the uninstall process of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
10. If the computer boots or starts correctly then remove Service Pack 3 via Add or Remove Programs to completely remove Service Pack 3 for Windows XP . Refer to ‘Method 1 – Use "Add or Remove Programs" Applet‘ for detailed instructions.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions, 32-bit

Related Articles

• Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows XP
• Microsoft Released Windows XP Service Pack 3 – May 6, 2008
• "Access Denied" When Installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP
• Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 3 into a Bootable Windows XP Install CD

Version 1.2
Edited: May 13, 2012