Windows XP SP3 and the Reboot Loop

Many people are aware of the issue with SP3 on OEM (original equipment manufacturer) machines with an AMD chip on an image that was originally Intel-based. The Microsoft Update Product Team blog describes the problem in More on Windows XP Service Pack 3...

"The problem is a registry value, present on images created w/ Intel processors, that causes a driver (intelppm.sys) to load at boot. When intelppm.sys attempts to load on an AMD-based system upon the install of SP3, it causes a blue screen and the continuous reboot."

Although the Update Product Team reports that a filter will be added to block SP3 from affected systems and are investigating a fix (See Edit Note below), Jesper has a complete explanation of the problem as well as a tool he has created to easily repair affected computers. You can find it at "Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?".

Please note that SP3 is not on Automatic Updates yet. It is, however, available from Windows Update. Also remember that Microsoft is providing free, unlimited installation and compatibility support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) through April 14, 2009. Additional information is available at http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


Edit Note 12 June 2008:

See *Update for Windows XP (KB953356)*

Locale: English

Deployment: Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog

Classification: High Priority, Non-Security

Target platforms: Windows XP

Approximate file sizes: ~ 509KB

Description:

Install this update to resolve an issue in which your computer may
restart continuously after you upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 3 on
systems with non-Intel processors. After you install this item, you may
have to restart your computer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894199

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