Windows XP Service Pack 2

[1]?

Some office supply and computer stores have Service pack 2 upgrade disks in displays on the isle for free. May be worth a look for dialup users who havn’t upgraded.
(Seen at: Office Depot)

Windows XP System Housekeeping Before SP2 Upgrading!

The key to a successful install of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is to have as clean a system as possible.

SP-2 nearly always installs just fine on a fresh install of XP. It’s what we’ve done since installing that causes most of the problems. The chief issue is spyware. Make sure your system is absolutely free of all spyware. Viruses, too. Uninstall unnecessary software. Make sure you have SP-2 compatible drivers for your hardware. make a good backup before installing. And finally, set a system restore point - this will be invaluable if you need to remove SP-2.

I think most people have the best results with SP-2 when they use the full install, not Windows Update. You can download the 272 megabyte full install directly from Microsoft. Microsoft will also mail you a disc free of charge.

• Service Pack 2 full download: http://tinyurl.com/6ubys
• Service Pack 2 free install disc: http://tinyurl.com/6g675

Uninstalling SP-2

If you experience problems after you install SP-2 you can uninstall it by running the Add/Remove Programs control panel. After uninstalling, use System Restore to restore your system to its pre-SP-2 state. (That’s why it’s important to set a system restore point before you install SP-2.)

If you can’t get to the Windows prompt, you can run System Restore from the command line. Type c:\windows\system\restore\rstrui.exe at the command line.

Check with Hardware Vendors for SP2 Supports

A listener writes:

If you haven’t installed SP2 for Windows XP, you should check and see what your hardware vendor has to say about it before you do the install.

There are web sites around the net, that are about general issues with SP2, but you should check your PC makers web site for any issues that may be related directly to your hardware.

The big makers have issued their own recommendations for upgrading their PCs to SP2. Check them out here:

Dell

HP & Compaq

Sony

Gateway

Slipstreaming Bootable WindowsXP SP2 CD

Kalic writes:

You can use nLite to easily create a Windows XP + SP2 slipstreamed bootable CD. Such a method is to integrate the original unpatched version of Windows XP with the lastest Service Pack 2 so that it would be much easier the next time you reinstall XP (saves a lot of time too). Make sure you have .NET Framework installed and patched (JPEG security issue) to run nLite. You would need to have with you:

 1. Original installation CD of Windows XP Home or Professional.
 2. The full 266MB  Windows XP Service Pack 2. (Better if you have the SP2 CD) 
 3. and of course a CD burner.

See MSFN and MCSEworld for more information on sliptreaming. — Kalic