You are prompted to insert a Windows XP SP2 CD when you try to run the System File Checker tool on a Windows XP SP2-based computer (900910)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run the System File Checker tool (Sfc.exe) on a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)-based computer, you may be prompted to insert the Windows XP SP2 CD. However, the System File Checker does not accept either the Windows XP SP2 CD or the original Windows XP CD.

Note You can install Windows XP SP2 either from the Windows XP SP2 CD or by downloading the SP2 files. To download the SP2 files, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the System File Checker must verify the SP2 files against the originally installed files. However, the System File Checker does not recognize the Windows XP SP2 CD or the Windows XP CD.

RESOLUTION

To resolve the problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Insert a Windows XP CD that has SP2 integrated

For more information about how to integrate software updates into Windows installation source files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

828930 How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source files

Method 2: Modify the registry to point to the Windows XP SP2 Setup files

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. Locate the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup

  3. In the right pane, right-click ServicePackSourcePath, click Modify, type %windir%\ServicePackFiles, and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to reproduce the problem

  1. Install Windows XP or Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1).
  2. Install Windows XP SP2.
  3. Click Start, click Run, type cmd in the Open box, and then click OK.
  4. At the command prompt, type sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER. You are prompted to insert the Windows XP SP2 CD.
  5. Insert the Windows XP SP2 CD or the Windows XP CD.
You experience the problem that is described in the "Symptoms" section.

REFERENCES

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

897128 You may be prompted to insert a Windows XP Professional CD when you run the System File Checker tool in Windows XP Home Edition

885522 System File Checker does not accept a network location that contains the installer CD when you use the scannow switch in Windows XP SP2 or in Windows Server 2003

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/5/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB900910 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.