Now what? I downloaded an update and now have an error message
 

"The system DLL user32.dll was relocated in memory. The application was not run properly. the relocation occured because (occupied an address reserved). The vendor should be contacted, blah blah."

So, is it not safe anymore to download Windows XP SPII upgrades? MS wants to charge me hundreds to discuss this? I hate computers.

Milt,

Most experienced computer people NEVER download any service pack until its been out on the market for 3-6 months.

Why? Because Microsoft is so screwed up that they send out "fixes" for things that are not ready for the users. Let others use the SP's for a while and eventually MS will fix the bugs in it.

Also, NEVER sign up for automatic upgrades like this. MS wants you do to it but it can play havoc with your computer, as you have just found out.

Have you tried to uninstall the latest Service Pack you installed? Would try that first then reboot.

Try a system restore to yesterday...

click on Start--> all programs--> accessories-->system tools where you will find System Restore. Ask it to restore it to a data prior to the update. It won't delete any of your personal files.

SP2 has been out a long time, it's safe. Also, no issues automatically downloading patches form MS, you can always roll them back off. I need some more info to get you a resolution on this. The hexcodes from the error text should tell me what's going on. More often than not it's the patch interacting with a third party application, or a driver.

Scott, you mean this? It's all I have. If I click on OK, it's gone.

DDL C:\WINDOWS\system32\HHCTRL.OCK "occupied an address reserved for DLLs."

You're in luck it's a known issue, and it has a solution:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935448

This might work. Clear out your prefetch folder.

The only problem I have had w/ MS patches and upgrades has come fron 2nd party software.

I recently had to download a HP patch because of a MS update.

It can be a RPIA to figure out what the issue is.:(

Thank you, Scott. That seems to fix the problem. You should be getting consulting fees for this. :)

You're very welcome, I hope you have smooth sailing from here on.

HEXCODES!! AARRGGGG!!!;) Man I remember doing core dumps in grad school and trying to interpret both Hex and Assembly. I'm so glad I finished off with chem instead if comp sci.

Because chem is so much easier? Ha! I never got past memorizing the periodic table.

Actually for me it is. Guess it's good that we're each suited to our calling. This way we both have jobs! For me the computer is an excellent tool, but I can't live w/out my IT guy.

That's funny, I have got the exact same thing. It just showed up a couple of days ago and I have the auto updates as well.

If you look at the link I posted it's an issue with interaction of another driver, sound card etc. This happens from time time as Microsoft can't account for the vast number of hardware variances out there.

Weather or not you download the updates automatically, or manually you would end up with the same error.

Thx Scott- fixed it for me too. Great to have so many talented people here to help us !!