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Windows XP, nLite, and Service Pack 3 – Add Remove Programs Windows Components Error
When trying to access Windows Components in Add Remove Programs, you receive the following error: Setup was unable to open information file fxscom.inf.
The problem is that you are using an XP build using nLite. NLite removes uncessary Windows components to make a compact and speedy image. Unfortunately, it is not officially supported by Microsoft. When you install Windows XP Service Pack 3, the sysoc.inf file is overwritten. The deleted configuration information for the components is put back into the new sysoc.inf file written by Service Pack 3. When you attempt to open Windows Compoents in Add Remove Programs, it will look for the missing pieces due to sysoc.inf.
To fix this, I did the following: as each error comes up in Add/Remove programs, simply delete the corresponding line from sysoc.inf. Make a backup of sysoc.inf first. Sysoc.inf is located in your windows\inf folder (maybe hidden, so enabling viewing hidden files or be a real man/woman and use the command line <giggle>.
The error will also result in errors for the following files (components):
xsocm.inf
fxsocm.dll
setupqry.inf
setupqry.dll
fp40ext.inf
fp40ext.dll
msgrocm.dll
msnmsn.inf
rootau.inf
games.inf
communic.inf
optional.inf
pinball.inf
igames
zoneoc.dll
Thanks for the tip! Found this page through Google after getting this error. Actually, I tried a subtly different fix: after installing SP3, the “old” SYSOC.INF is backed up in the hidden directory C:\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$. Backup the “new” SYSOC.INF (I renamed it to SYSOC.INF.SP3) just in case, then copy the “old” one back to \Windows\Inf. Seems to work fine, and kills all the errors in one swoop. Hope this helps.
Awesome! And that’s definitely an easier way to do it!
Thank you so much. I’ve been looking on the web for hours with many complicated recipes, tried them… didn’t work. I finally found your reply… oh what a wonderful world!!!
Have a wonderful day!!