The AMD specific CPU driver is more for the advanced power management features of the processor than for basic operations, and Windows can use the same fall-back driver for when it is running in Safe Mode to keep things working until you can get that patch from HP installed. Compaq computers running AMD processors have a similar issue at times since Compaq was bought up by HP. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [PCBUILD] Computer infection/ SP2 vs SP3 From: Joe Holmes <[log in to unmask]> Date: Sat, July 24, 2010 6:11 am To: [log in to unmask] Kenneth Whyman SC Friday, July 23, 2010, 7:01 PM Wrote: Windows XP Service Pack 3 is just as stable as its Service Pack 2 predecessor in my own experience without adding much in the way of overhead. It's also the only supported version of XP left. Microsoft is no longer writing patches for XP unless Service Pack 3 is installed as a prerequisite. No reason not to install Service Pack 3 at this point. Just make sure to have the system clean of viruses before you do so, so the infection doesn't interfere with the installation or infect the various backups made by the upgrade process. Several of my fellow contributors made very good suggestions on various resources and methods to try. Best wishes for a healthy computing experience, both for your machine and for you (stress and the like). end* I tried loading SP3 before writing this reply: I am having issues getting SP3 to load on my HP dv5117cl with an AMD Turion 64 chipset. I get a dialog box telling me there is a problem loading the installer for .Net and to contact my hardware vendor for further assistance. I have heard several forums discussing the "black screen of death" after the Windows XP loading screen upon installing SP3. This appears to be not limited to only on Hewlett Packard with the AMD cpu but also with other mobo makers with Intel processors. HP recommends installing "SoftPaq.exe" for AMD processors. The instructions say "uninstall the current CPU driver and replace with the downloaded version" Concern: If I uninstall the current cpu driver and replace it, what drives the cpu operation during this process? Thanks, Joseph Holmes PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download visit our download web page at http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website, web based bulletinboard for questions and answers: Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com