Your computer repeatedly restarts, or it generates error messages when you roll back two (870892)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

SYMPTOMS

When you roll back two or more device drivers by using the Roll Back Driver feature of Device Manager, your Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)-based computer may repeatedly restart, may generate various errors depending on the drivers that you rolled back, or may do both.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the device drivers that you rolled back use some of the same system files. In this scenario, mismatched driver or miniport file versions may exist. Therefore, you may not be able to start Windows XP SP2 without any errors.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods, install device drivers in Safe Mode, or use System Restore to restore the operation of Windows XP SP2.

Install device drivers in Safe Mode

To resolve this problem and to restore your computer to previous functionality, start the computer in Safe Mode, and then reinstall the versions of the device drivers that you rolled back:
  1. Restart the computer.
  2. When you receive the following message, press F8: Please select the operating system to start
  3. On the Windows Advanced Option Menu screen, use the ARROW keys to select Safe Mode with Networking, and then press ENTER.
You now can install the device drivers from files that are on the computer, from files that are on a CD, or from files that you download from the Internet. For more information about how to install the device drivers, see the installation information that the device manufacturer provides.

Use System Restore to restore the operation of Windows XP SP2

You can use the System Restore tool to return your computer to a previous working state. System Restore takes a "snapshot" of critical system files and of some program files. System Restore stores this information as restore points. You can use these restore points to return Windows XP to a previous state.

For additional information about how to use the System Restore tool, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

306084 How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP

For additional information about System Restore, click Start, click Help and Support, type system restore in the Search box, and then press ENTER.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, start your computer in Safe Mode, and then roll back all the device drivers that you want. To restart your computer in Safe Mode, restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 while the operating system loads.

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

283657 How to use the Roll Back Driver feature in Windows XP

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/26/2004
Keywords:kbtshoot kbHardware kbConsumer kbSafeMod kbDriver kbnofix kbBug kbprb KB870892 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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