Windows Installer Requires a Path to the RTL8139.sys File During Windows XP SP1 Installation

When you install Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), you may receive a message that states that Windows Installer requires a path to the RTL8139.sys file.

This behavior may occur if you have an OEM version of Windows XP Home Edition that was installed on your computer by the manufacturer. The driver was removed from your computer by the manufacturer.

This issue has been reported in connection with laptop computers made by Toshiba.

To resolve this issue, skip the file when you are prompted for the path to RTL8139.sys, and then reinstall the device driver after you complete the SP1 installation. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Skip file when you are prompted for the path to RTL8139.sys., and then complete the installation of SP1.
2. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
4. Expand Network Adapters, right-click your network adapter, and then click Update Driver.
   
   The Hardware Update Wizard starts.
5. Click Install from a list or specific location, and then click Next.
6. Click Don't search. I will choose the driver to install., and then click Next.
7. In the Network Adapter list, click your network adapter, and then click Next.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

The RTL8139.sys file is a network adapter device driver. For information about how to download the most current driver for your device, contact your computer's manufacturer.

Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

For information about how to contact your computer manufacturer, visit the following Microsoft Web site: