XP won't boot,sp 3

[computer poor]

Put sp3 on laptop and desktop and worked fine. Installed on wifes and wouldn't boot. Keeps going to the F8 screen and none of the options will function, except to bring it back to F8 screen. I did manage to get back in, after reloading windowsXP pro again, but did the same thing again on reboot. Now, I can't get in. Guess I should have deleted windows updates. Thanks for any help. Running a new drive at present, but would love to get back my old data.

[computer poor]

Think I found the problem, as it's working. cmos settiings were changed on lan, and sata???? Don't know how, as she only loaded sp3. Thanks

[mEtRiX]

LoL, you're welcome.

[utkarsh30june]

LOL, you solved the problem on yourself!!!!! :D