I think this process might help

1.Boot to the Recovery Console (and hope you have the admin password)
2.Type cd $ntservicepackuninstall$\spuninst
3.Type batch spuninst.txt
4.The screen will scroll around, saying files missing, access denied and also copying files about. Just wait for this all to finish
5. Reboot. I was able to reboot in normal mode
6. Re-install SP2 (You must do this or the problem will recurr at step 7). REBOOT
7. Install KB834707 from MS Website

I appreciate the quick response. Unfortunately this presents another problem I've been having which every time I try to install SP2 my computer locks up. Now I have installed SP3, at least I think I did. I was told that I could have SP3 without having SP2. So I did the download, or at least so I think.

Yes you can install SP3 without SP2 , try this trick download the shlwapi.dll file, you can google it.

And replace the old file , may be your old file is corrupt

Having quickly googled the subject, it would seem that your system is probably in an unstable state as a result of a partially installed servicepack. Whilst you may be able to fix the singular problem you are experiencing, a full repair-install with a ServicePack 3 disk may be the best solution.

You may need to create this disk using another computer, you should also google slipstream servicepack and look for the most generic instructions that aren't tied too closely to a specific CD burning package (unless you have that package). Naturally, you should backup critical data before installation.

Kaled.

My apologies for not quickly reponding with thanks. I'll surely try these instructions. I'll keep you posted, thank you.

I just did as instructed: downloaded file from google, it was downloaded in a "zip" form. From here I'm not sure where to go, that is how to open it, install it, or whatever it is I need to do to get the downloaded file into working functionality within my system. Appologies for my lack of knowlege with this area, I'm sure people like myself have earned a great number of fabulous nicknames. Thank you again.

You should not be downloading anything from Google. Get it from Microsoft. Preferably here: [update.microsoft.com...]

If you can't get SP3 from there try this page: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation [microsoft.com]

However, Kaled's advice above is probably best. Searching the keywords he highlighted will give you a number of sites with step by step instructions.