System File validation cache (System Catalog)

Issue : System File validation cache (System Catalog) becoming
overrun/corrupted.

After having discussed a Windows Media Player 11 install issue on Microsoft
Discussion Groups\Media Player General with Zach from Windows Media
Development Team, I was forwarded by him to Technical Support on Windows XP
as this is not an WMP11 issue in itself. As my WindowsXP is a OEM version
they offer no help. I then posted this on Microsoft Discussion
Groups\Performance and Maintenance but I got no reply so I guess I should
direct my questions to this group instead.

A summary of Zach's diagnosis and advice :

The issue you're running into is typically symptomatic of your System File
Validation cache becoming overrun/corrupted.
This error specifically means that your machine has had an abnormally large
number of QFE's installed to it, which can cause the System Catalog Service
to stop accepting (registering) further Microsoft installs. This is an
OS-level corruption issue that typically requires at least an OS reinstall
and more typically a format. Reinstalling WMP11 will not solve this, as the
catalogs for WMP11 will not be able to be installed. This is not noticeable
usually, but running WMP11 actually validates this and thus lets you know
about this system condition.
WMP11 Setup, like almost all setup tools, simply internally fails without
error in this instance, and everything **seems** alright.
Unfortunately, these errors are in the System Cryptographic Service.

My question :

How can I get this system condition confirmed ? Is there a tool or a log
file that can unveil this ? And is there a way to repair this without having
to reinstall Windows XP + formatting the hard disk ?

Actions taken / Extra Info :

Windows Genuine Advantage : Validation OK.
System File Checker sfc /scannow with the original WindowsXP CD.
Windows Update to be sure SP2 was up to date again.
QFE Checker (Q282784_WXP_SP1_x86_ENU.exe) qfecheck.exe /l : Current Service
Pack Level: SP2, listed 91 Hotfixes 'Current on system', no errors found.
Rollback to WMP10 successful and running OK.
Installation of Internet Explorer 7.0 successful and running OK.

Original Error Message :
'Windows Media Player is not installed properly and must be reinstalled.
Do you want to install the player from the Microsoft Web site ?'
'Faulting application wmplayer.exe, version 11.0.5705.5043, faulting module
ntdll.dll, version 5.1.2600.2180, fault address 0x00018fea. Fault bucket
322555262.'

The original discussion :
[Microsoft Discussion Groups - English - Home and Entertainment - Windows
Media - General Player Discussion - Thread (10/13/2006) : WMP11 installation
ok but doesn't run]

Thanks in advance for any advice, Smerdis.

I was just thinking how wonderful life was, when Smerdis
<Smerdis RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> opened his gob and said:

>How can I get this system condition confirmed ? Is there a tool or a log
>file that can unveil this ? And is there a way to repair this without having
>to reinstall Windows XP + formatting the hard disk ?

The question that springs to my mind after reading your post is how to
stop it happening again.

You'd have to install less QFEs (hotfixes), i.e. have a less patched
system to stop it being buggered! Doesn't sound good.

I'd hope that you do find a way of fixing this without a reinstall.

--
Cheers,

Guy

** Stress - the condition brought about by having to
** resist the temptation to beat the living daylights
** out of someone who richly deserves it.