Operating System
Apr 17, 2008
Tip and Trick Editorial
51 Comments

Windows XP SP3 BSoD Endless Reboot Loop with Stop c0000139 on GDI32.dll Error

Microsoft spent couple of weeks to fix endless and repetitive system restart loop issue when users attempt to Windows Vista SP1, but the computer cannot startup with continuous reboot loop problem spreads to Windows XP as well. After users installed Windows XP SP3 beta or RC release or a hotfix, and restart the PC, the computer will repetitively and automatically reboot suddenly nonstop, unable to log on to Windows desktop with the infamous BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) with the following error messages.

STOP: c0000139 {Entry Point Not Found}

The procedure entry point GdiGetBitmapBitSize could not be located in the dynamic link library GDI32.dll.

Or,

STOP: c0000139

The procedure entry point SMapLS_IP_EBP_24 could not be located in the daynamic link library Kernel32.dll.

The BSoD reboot loop may happen right after installation of Windows XP SP3 too without computer restarting. The computer cannot even to boot to Safe Mode, and hence has no way to uninstall the Service Pack 3 for Windows XP to try to restore to previous state to resolve the problem.

Shashank Bansal explained in TechNet forums that the issue happens when users install SP3 with build version v.3311 or v.3244 or earlier. A security update KB948590 (MS08-021) which contains updated and newer GDI32.dll stops installation of SP3 version of GDI32.dll on the system due to file version differences. Hence the system encounters conflict and stop halt. If users doesn’t disable the setting to reboot the computer on error, the Windows will force to restart.

The solution is to restore the GDI32.dll from the service pack into Windows system folder with the following steps:

  1. Boot from a Windows CD or BartPE.
  2. At Welcome to Setup screen, press “R” to start repair option and open up a Recovery Console’s command prompt window.
  3. Select the Windows installation to use, normally is C:\Windows and just one option. If so, press “1″ and hit Enter.
  4. If prompted for administrator password, enter the password (normally blank) and hit Enter.
  5. Make a backup of existing GDI32.dll in system folder with following command:

    REN C:\Windows\System32\GDI32.dll C:\Windows\System32\GDI32.dll.orig

    Replace “C” of the drive letter of your Windows installation drive if necessary.

  6. Then copy backup GDI32.dll from c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386\gdi32.dll to the system folder with the following commands:

    copy C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386\GDI32.dll C:\Windows\System32\GDI32.dll

    Replace “C” with your own system drive letter if applicable.

  7. Restart computer.

If you don’t have the original Windows XP CD, or been asked for administrator password which you don’t have or doesn’t set and hence unable to run restore options, try to boot from any other bootable floppy diskette, or bootable CD/DVD. If you’re on dual-boot system, it’s possible to boot from another OS to access the Windows XP installation, but make sure you use the proper path.

To avoid the reboot loop issue cause by GDI32.dll, and ensure that the system doesn’t expose to exploit vulnerability, install Windows XP SP3 RC2 Refresh v.5508, which has latest and updated GDI32.dll version 6.0.2900.3316 installed by KB948590.


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  • Tristan

    Hey, I've got a dual boot processor, but Windows is screwed with the blue screen infinite reboot problem. I can use the back door to access my window files and system32, but I dont' know how to fix the kernel32.dll and the missing SMapLs IP EBP 24. I don't have the original xp repair cd (stupid brother) and it won't allow me to boot into safe mode. Help?

  • CC

    Do a Google search for ERD commander. This is guaranteed to get your computer up & running!

  • Raul Abella

    Reboot Loop After Installing Windows XP SP3

    To solve this problem you have to grab a pen, a piece of paper and the Windows XP Disc. Make a nice drinks or coffee or tea to make you feel relax…

    1. Start the computer and keep tapping F8 button when the system starting until you see the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" Please select an option:
    select the "Disable automatic restart on system failure" then press enter.

    2. Now we're on the Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) showing the symptom that causes the illness. Write down the name of the file….

    3.Put the Windows XP Disc into CD/DVD Drive and press the reset button to restart the computer, then press any key when the system starting for the Windows XP Disc. Now you see a "Window Setup" with blue screen background and please wait until it settle down.

    4. Press R for Recovery Console… We are on the "Microsoft Windows XP (TM)Recovery Console" press 1 to log on…then press enter.

    5. Administrator Password is the main password when you install the Windows XP. If no main password then press enter.

    6. As you can see the "C:WINDOWS>" This is where we type the DOS COMMAND PARAMETERS….

    7. Now we have to make a backup of the file you wrote in the system folder. Type this command parameters;

    CD C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32

    press enter

    RENAME NTDLL.dll NTDLL.orig (change NTDLL.dll to the name of file you wrote)

    press enter

    8. Then copy the NTDLL.dll from C:WINDOWSSERVICEPACKFILESI386 to the system folder with the right command parameters:

    CD C:WINDOWSSERVICEPACKFILESI386

    press enter

    COPY NTDLL.dll C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32

    press enter

    To restart the computer type EXIT then press enter….

    ©Copyrighted 091226-2012 Rolfy Microsoft TechNet Resources for IT Professionals

  • Rolfy

    THE RIGHT COMMAND PARAMETERS

    before you correctly make a backup of existing GDI32.dll in system folder You have to do the right following command:

    CD C:WindowsSystem32

    press enter

    RENAME GDI32.dll C:WindowsSystem32GDI32.dll.orig

    press enter

    Then copy the backup GDI32.dll from C:WINDOWSSERVICEPACKFILESI386GDI32.DLL to the system folder with the right command parameters:

    CD C:WINDOWSSERVICEPACKFILESI386

    press enter

    COPY GDI32.DLL C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32

    press enter

    To restart the computer type EXIT then enter….

    Hope it will work for your computer…..
    The GDI32.DLL still didn't fix the Windows XP SP3 REBOOT LOOP of my computer.

  • Jim

    Is there any workaround for the "access denied" response to ren and copy commands?

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  • Rich

    That worked Perfectly!!!!!

    one thing though. I had to check instructions

    and change one thing

    the syntax on the first step of renaming

    is

    REN [drive][path][file to rename] [new name]

  • Alex

    I have a Compaq Presario V5000 laptop and I booted using UBUNTU CD Image (it is free – just google it) and was able to gain access to the hard drive. I ran the "try without changing your current setup" (or something like that) option. From there I went through the painful process of rummaging through the disk and renaming everything. Then it booted fine after. Thanks for the advice on how to fix it though. Could not have done it otherwise.

  • Alvin

    Hi I tried to use the REN command & the Copy command but I get this "access denied".

    I read the whole post and it seems some other people have that problem too. Please contact me at, alvin.keung@gmail.com

    Thanks.

  • Landie

    I replaced the gdi32.dll as described above but i still get the reboot loop.

    How do i restart the computer normally when in recovery mode ? I just pushed the power button.

  • Falcon

    This problem has worked. to copy the GDI32.DLL from the servicepackfiles map.

    Be carefull with the service pack 3 RC2 v5503

    I is NOT a regulated update.

    I will quote from the tech net forum :

    "While this update is available for anyone, remember that it is pre-release software, is time-limited, and is intended for IT professionals, developers, and other technically-inclined individuals that are comfortable using pre-release software."

  • Dave Henderson

    Yes, that worked. Silly Microsoft screwing up yet another Windows update. I used NTFS DOS and system boots again. Right into the "do you want to turn on auto update option" – which caused the problem in the first place, ironic!

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  • Ivan

    Thanks! Worked great. Had this issue with SP3 v.3264. Wonder what other surprises await me. :-( )

  • Ben

    BRILLIANT!!!

    Just saved me a whold lot of time and effot with this simple fix.

    Thank you

  • Hazal

    I have the same problem with "No attached HDD found" error on the setup from the CD. how am i supposed to update my HDD drivers without being able to boot my PC properly? Any tips for that matter?

  • DocPaul

    I installed the official release of SP3 onto a friends XP Home (SP2) pc and experianced the GDI32.dll BSOD. Many thanks for the recovery tips – it worked a treat!!

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  • Mac

    Just installed XP SP3 on 2 AMD based Computers, 1 HP 64 and 1 Gateway 64X2. Went to Safe Mode, did Run sc config intelppm start=disable, installed SP3 and everything works. Here is the link to the page with additional info.
    http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/20…
    Did not have to do GDI32.dll fix.

    Hope this helps someone.

    Thanks

  • http://errorstream.wordpress.com Manjerico

    Thanks a HOLE lot, fixed my OS.

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  • chris

    i start up my comp it loads fine till i get to windowxp screen it stalls there for about 20secs then my comp reboots its self over and over.

  • Chris

    I actually cannot get past the first few seconds of when the PC starts up. It does start up to destop and then it's on there for like 20seconds then shuts off agian. But thats rare.. any idea's?

  • http://ffsn.at Wolfgang

    Thanx! Worked well, greetings from Austria (The Europe oone) ^^

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  • lyon

    First I would like to appreciate for your instruction. It helps indeed.

    I installed the SP3 today to total four computers (desktop/laptop both at home/office). 3 of the 4 computers got the issue. I reinstall the whole system in one laptop until I found this message. I replaced the GDI.dll file and now all the computers work.

    I'm a little concern that some guy may only have one computer at hand and may not beware of this issue at all. After he/she updates the SP3 and got this issue, how frustrated they would be.

  • lyon

    Today I installed XP SP3 in my ThinkPad and Fujitsu laptop, both have the problem.

    I already spend a couple of hours to reinstall the system and every software I need in Fujitsu.

    Why Microsoft push a garbage software out without enough test??

  • Vladimir

    thanks for that, worked like a charm

  • wtf

    how do you fix access denied in this case :C

    cause every time i try to do something in recovery console i get "access denied"

  • computer idiot

    thanks, you saved my ass

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  • Kylex

    thank u so much, i used Petter's offline password editor to bypass the "access denied" error when trying to rename gdi32.dll from the recovery console (marvelous program)

    you saved my life, thank you thank you thank you!!

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  • game

    Muchas gracias !!!!

    Exelente aporte

  • http://TipandTrick.net Tim

    Windows XP SP3 BSoD Endless Reboot Loop with Stop c0000139 on GDI32.dll Error

    I have tried:

    REN C:WindowsSystem32GDI32.dll C:WindowsSystem32GDI32.dll.orig

    AND

    copy C:WindowsServicePackFilesi386GDI32.dll C:WindowsSystem32GDI32.dll

    But nothing is working, HELP.

    email me with answers tmarkiewicz8@aol.com

  • Nils

    Thank you very much: Saved me big trouble, because I just updated the computer of my girlfriend yesterday and I run into the reboot loop. But now it works and everyone is happy here.

    Thanks!

  • Patrick

    I have a dell Inspion 700m and it is not letting me access my CD drive it doesn't have a floppy so i cant use that.

    I have a 250GB external hard drive and 1GB flash drive is there a way i can do this using one of them?

  • Rooscow

    A few of my friends pointed me in this direction because of my clumsy install of SP3.

    I have this problem, but with a twist. I am using an Asus P4P800-E Deluxe MB and using the Raid functionality for performance and safety. My logical C drive is a Raid 0 made up of 2 10,000 RPM WD SATA Raptor drives. When I attempt a Windows repair, Windows does not see my logical drives. It does appear to recognize that there are 4 devices, but no useable partitions. This occurs even with loading the Intel Raid driver when requested by Windows. My current plan for consideration is to attach another SATA drive to one of my open SATA ports that are not managed by the Raid chipset. Once that happens and I am able to run Windows, I will try your procedure above and replace the GDI32.dll. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  • MATT

    I get "access is denied" whenever I try the REN command

  • admin

    You probably need to load the driver for your hard disk controller.

  • http://www.basementmedia.no/ Bjarte

    This doesn't work for me. The Recovery Console claims I have no harddrive attached to my computer.

    I tried booting with a few Linux LiveCDs (Knoppix, Ubuntu, Damn Small Linux) and none of the can find my harddrive either.

    Seems SP3 have destroyed my harddrive properly…

  • Shawn

    omg!thank you sooo much! u saved my life!!!

  • Wynand

    Thanks!

    That did the trick. Simple and straight forward.

    Just did a complete reinstall on my laptop did SP2, saw SP3 was available and imagine my irritation on the BSOB with an endless loop!

    Keep up the good work :)

  • Lawton

    Thank you so much! I just installed this on my laptop a couple of hours ago and I couldn't believe that I had gotten the endless reboot! I've kept this one going in great condition for 3 years and plan on another great 3!

  • http://bjjinsider.com The BalutKid

    Thank you so much for the advice. I wish people were as helpful in real life as they are in the tech community!

  • Stapman

    Great advice. Did the trick.

    Thanks

    Stap