HP has confirmed that the existence of an endless-reboot problem with certain systems that are based on processors from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) after the installation of Windows XP service pack 3 (SP3). Working in tandem with Microsoft, HP says it is attempting to fix the problem. A patch is expected to be released and distributed to customers this week via its automated HP Update service that will nullify the endless reboot problems, among other issues.
The reboot problem appeared to stem from the fact that HP utilized the same images meant for Intel-based system with those running on AMD-based systems. Upon booting up, SP3 searches in vain for a non-existent Intel driver, resulting in an endless loop. If you are affected, you might want to check out this article on how to recover from this error [1].
For more on HP and Windows XP:
- check out this eWeek article [2]
Links:
[1] http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c01457284&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
[2] http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Desktops-and-Notebooks/HP-Fixing-XP-SP3-Problems/