Generic Host Process for Win32 (WinXp SP2)

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I started getting this error while attempting to install an new HP 6480 All-in-One printer. The installation failed at about 97% complete, with this error. Attempted to install on HP Notebook using USB connection. Printer also has Ethernet connection. Error now occurs every time I reboot, and some random other times. Also occurred when I tried to install printer with Etherent connection. Aside from the failed printer install no other problems occur. I dismiss the eror msg and all is normal. I have Norton IS installed, but it did not post any warning messages during the install.
After many hours on phone with both HP printer support and Notebook support they conclude that this error is documented in KB 873333 (MS05-012). If that doesn’t work, KB 894391 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894391%5B/url%5D suggests a Hot Fix. HP applied the hot fix, KB 946480, remotely, but that did not solve my problem. I have read all the threads on this forum, but have not found one that applies. Also searched the MS KB, but found nothing relevant except an item that WinXP SP3 MAY have corrected the problem. Looked at KB 946480 [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/en-us%5D, List of Fixes in SP3, but this is a mile long. Found 873333 on the list, but not sure this a more recent fix than the Hot Fix.
After reading Woody’s blog I am reluctant to install SP3 until there is more feedback. How should I proceed?

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I’d try SP3. I’ve installed it on several computers without any problems.

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Thanks,Hans. I previously stated that I “Found 873333 on the list, but not sure this a more recent fix than the Hot Fix”. Is there any way to verify this? Or do I just install SP3 and hope for the best?
HH

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MS05-12 (KB 873333) is from February, 2005 and the hotfix is from April, 2005.
But SP3 is a rollup of all updates and patches that have been released since SP2 (summer 2004), so you might just try it. I can’t guarantee anything, of course.

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One rule for installing a service pack – BACKUP YOUR SYTEM FIRST.

Joe

--Joe

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Thanks for the reminder. I will back up recent data files and set a checkpoint, although I bet that SP3 sets a checkpoint automaticall.
HH

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You need a backup of your data. The installation of SP3 automatically backs up system files and creates a restore point.

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No luck. The error appeared again during the reboot! Any other suggestions?
I am going to try installing this printer on my Vista desktop, which is networked with my HP XP notebook. Assuming that is successful, how do I get an XP driver on the notebook?
HH

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Sorry, no idea. I hope that a Windows expert will be able to help you.

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If you have the XP driver for this printer then you should be able to load it on the Vista machine. then when you connect to the shared printer it will download the driver.

I don’t use Vista, but here is the XP dialog for uploading additional drivers.

StuartR

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Thanks, Stuart, for the dialog.
It worked!! Installed printer on Vista PC without a hitch. Then shared it and installed from the XP machine. Prints just fine. Also transferred the fax driver. Is there a similar technique for getting the scanner drivers over to the XP? I will see what I can find on the HP support site.
HH

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New info. I called Microsoft and worked with a tech for two hours before he disconnected me. I was running Scannow from a command prompt when it asked for me for my Windows XP Professional SP3 CD! Never mind that I’m running Media Center Edition. It wanted to replace some files with the originals. However, I don’t have such a CD, since I downloaded SP3 from the web. Can I burn one from somewhere on my system?

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What happens if you insert your Media Center Edition CD?

You can create a CD that includes SP3, see for example Slipstream Service Pack 3 into Your Windows XP Installation CD or Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3).

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Thanks for the links. Only one problem. This is an HP Notebook that does not come with a Windows CD of any kind. There is a recovery partition, plus a three-disk Recovery CD set that I made when PC was new. How do I proceed?
HH

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Others will have to answer that, sorry.

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See if 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 helps.

Joe

--Joe

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Thanks Joe. I’ll take a break for the long weekend and report back next week.

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A small problem. I checked out the link and found the following Registry tweak:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Locate the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSetup
3. In the right pane, right-click ServicePackSourcePath, click Modify, type %windir%ServicePackFiles, and then click OK.

I then checked my Registry key and it said:
ServicePackSourcePath C:windowsServicePackFiles.
So, it looks like its pointing to the right place, but SFC aks for a CD. What gives?
HH

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After doing more research and having another conversation with HP, I have decided to reinstall Windows. This computer is 18 months old and will benefit from a clean start. HP recommended that I install the printer immediately after reinstalling Windows MCE and before installing any other software (except Norton IS). My question is, should I use Windows Update to make Windows current (up to, but not including SP3) before or after installing the printer? I neglected to ask this of HP.
This printer, OfficeJet J6480, has been on the market for less than six months. Do the drivers care how old the OS is?
HH

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I always recommend that the OS be up-to-date with a service pack (Sp-3 for XP) and fixes before adding any other hardware or software.

Joe

--Joe

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Since your last post I have seen several articles (e.g. Windows Secrets) that say WAIT before installing SP3. They list a slew of problems (PCs with AMD chips, Norton IS, etc), only a few of which have been addressed by Microsoft. I am inclined to hold off for the present.

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