Member Avatar for veggiecook

I foolishly installed Windows xp pro service pack2. It created a loop on startup because the Fasttrak 100TX2 controller driver installed is incompatible with service pack 2.
Since I could not restore the operating system in safe mode I tried to reinstall Windows xp pro. I get the following error message.
"Setup encountered an error while trying to set system security. The parameter is incorrect. One of the components that windows needs to continue setup could not be installed. Operation cancelled by user.
SXS.DLL: Syntax error in manifest or policy file "D:\1386\asms\60100|POLICY\60100\COMCTL\COMCTL.MAN" on line 6

Current error message:
Files needed
The file "asms" on Win Pro CD-ROM is needed
Type the path where the file is located.

That's where I am. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

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Dani AI

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Short diagnosis and what the error really means: SXS.DLL messages about a manifest (for example the COMCTL.MAN path you quoted) nearly always mean Setup cannot read the WinSxS/asms manifest files from the install source. That usually comes from bad/unreadable media, a burned/slipstreamed disc missing files, or a CD-ROM driver/filter problem — not an actual XML syntax bug in most cases. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, non-destructive checks (do these first): try the same XP disc in another machine or a different drive, clean the disc, or use an original retail CD if you have it. If repair keeps looping, boot the Recovery Console and run chkdsk C: /r to rule out disk corruption before repeating setup. Microsoft guidance for the “asms” prompt points to media/driver problems and references a KB fix for the symptom. (learn.microsoft.com)

If media/drive swap doesn’t help, follow two common workarounds (backup before you change anything): 1) From a working system or Recovery Console, export the registry and delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} to remove third‑party CD filter drivers (restart afterwards). 2) Copy the entire I386 folder from the XP CD to the hard drive and run winnt.exe/winnt32.exe from that local copy so Setup reads files from disk rather than the optical drive. Both fixes are widely used to get past the ASMS/SXS manifest failures. (microcenter.com)

Because reported a FastTrak 100TX2/SP2 driver loop, also try disabling the RAID/Promise controller or switch the BIOS SATA mode to IDE/compatibility while you repair/install — that prevents incompatible drivers from stopping Setup. If nothing lets you finish a repair, image your data with a rescue PE/live Linux disk, then do a clean install. Back up the registry and files before any edits, and only delete UpperFilters/LowerFilters if you have a restore plan. (dell.com)

Notes: ’s idea to remove SP2 is valid only if you can boot into Safe Mode. ’s local I386 trick is exactly the copy-to-disk workaround above. ’s KB pointer (Q311755) is the Microsoft entry most threads reference.

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Member Avatar for Laser

Did you try to uninstall SP2 from the Add/Remove Programs Control Panel?

Member Avatar for veggiecook

I cannot get safe mode to respond to any commands because I tried and failed to reinstall the original Windows XP Pro which stopped installing Windows at 34 minutes (installing devices). Setup keeps restarting I tried to change the boot sequence from the D drive to the c drive but nothing helps.


When I start the computer and go into the Windows Advanced Options menu and choose safe mode I get the message windows xp setup cannot run under safe mode. Setup will restart now. If I close the message box without choosing OK I get the Fasttrak driver loading and then the windows setup screen saying setup is restarting. This becomes an endless loop.

If I put the original Windows xp Professional into the d drive I get the error message below:

Setup encountered an error while trying to set system security. The parameter is incorrect.

Fatal Error - One of the components that Windows needs to continue setup could not be installed. Operation cancelled by user

SXS.DLL: Syntax error in manifest or policy file "D:

1386\asms\60100\POLICY\60100\COMCTL\COMCTL.MAN on line 6.

I looked at the original Windows xp Professional disk in the windows explorer on another computer and see that in the asms directory/6000/ the POLICY directory is not on the disk. Is this the problem?

-----Original Message-----

Member Avatar for Blerim Gega

Ok. I had the same problem with costumer computer, and here is a solution.
This work only when you reinstall the windows XP , and you still have i386 folder is in you Hard Drive
Any time when windows asked me for “asms” file or other files, I typed in C:\WINDOWS\I386, it will ask you a few times (about 10 times) but you will be able to finish your install.

Member Avatar for JNONKIV

I'm Typing In C:\windows\i386 Is Not Working Or Were Can I Go To Download Windows Xp Pro,service Pack 2 Cd.

Member Avatar for tomtina

got microsoft support 311755 you will find the solution. It worked for me

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