Need some help with installation of windows service pack 2!?

Question

I had to reformat my laptop and I had windows SP2 on it before this, I also was using windows media player 11 and IE7. After reformatting I downloaded the SP2 again and it messed up my browser which is IE6 now after I formatted. When I tried to connect to the internet it would connect pages for one minute then nothing! It was connected though (the dsl) so I unistalled the SP2 and now my browser is working again (IE6)

I dont understand why my laptop was working before the format with the SP2 but not afterwards when I downloaded?

Answer 1

There continues to be many questions raised in the Windows XP newsgroups about how to get SP2 and how to install it. In this column, I'm pulling the answers together in one place. I've also presented several times and answered questions for Expert Zone in Live Meeting webcasts. Check the Microsoft Support WebCasts site to view one of the previous sessions.

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is an important, free update for the Windows XP operating system. SP2 includes all security and critical updates that were previously released and provides better protection against viruses, worms, and other unwanted software. It includes an improved built-in firewall, Windows Firewall, which is turned on by default, and a wizard that makes setting up wireless networks a lot easier. For more information about the service pack, see Barb Bowman's column, Introduction to Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Prepare to Install SP2
Most people install SP2 without a hitch. But some people encounter issues. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for and prevent some of the issues that people have reported.

Before you install SP2, make sure your computer is completely free of viruses, worms, and spyware. The best place to start is the Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site. And for even more on spyware, see the excellent Expert Zone column from Jerry Honeycutt.

Failure to clean up spyware and adware on your computer before installing SP2 can cause issues and in some cases make your computer difficult to restart. You may not even know that spyware or adware programs are installed on your system. And some spyware or adware programs may not cause serious issues with SP2, but it's a good idea to run spyware and adware removal programs before installing SP2.

As another precaution, before you install SP2, you need to disable antivirus software you're using and close any open programs. This is always a good idea before installing new software, but it's especially important when you're installing a service pack. And for SP2, it's important that you disable any antivirus software especially. Some antivirus software can interfere with the SP2 installation. To disable the software, follow instructions from the antivirus software provider that you use. Check the software provider's Web site for exact steps.

Top of page
Make a Backup
It's always a good idea to make a backup of your data, but many people never do. When you're preparing for the SP2 update, it's a good time to back up your data. At least back up your important personal files. Anything that you would not be able to easily replace, whether it's your doctoral thesis or pictures of your dog as a puppy—if it matters to you, make sure you have a backup of it just in case.

Top of page
Review System Requirements for SP2
To find detailed information about your system, click Start, click Run, and type: msinfo32 . The first system requirement for SP2 is that you already have a version of Windows XP installed. Then you also need the following:

• CD-ROM drive or an Internet connection

• At least a 233 MHz processor and at least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM

• At least 1.8 gigabytes (GB) of available hard drive space


Service Pack 2 applies to all 32-bit editions of Windows XP, including Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and Windows XP Media Center Edition. It does not apply to the 64-bit Edition of Windows XP. The same media or update location is used to update all supported editions of Windows XP.

Top of page
How to Install SP2
There are four basic methods of installation:

• Automatic Updates

• Windows Update

• Network Install

• CD Install


Which method you use will depend on your specific requirements and situation. I'll show some specific screen shots for the Windows Update version, but the actual installation steps will be essentially the same for all of them—first obtain the update, then run the Welcome to Windows Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard, and finally restart your computer for the installation to finish.

Top of page
How to Use Automatic Updates
The simplest and best way to install Windows XP SP2 is to use Automatic Updates. By turning on Automatic Updates, your computer will automatically download just the necessary parts of SP2 to update your particular computer. And it will do the download in a way that doesn't interfere with your regular day-to-day computing.

To turn on Automatic Updates:

1.
Navigate to the Protect Your PC Web site.

2.
Click Let us do it for you.

3.
Click Start Here.

4.
If you're prompted with a security bulletin, as shown in Figure 1, make sure it is signed by Microsoft, and then click OK.

Then in the future, always read the security warnings that pop up when you're running Windows. Make sure that what you're being warned about is something you actually expected and that it's from someone you trust. It's easy to get careless about clicking open dialog boxes, but if you do, you're setting yourself up for a worm, virus, or spyware.

5.
Finally, click Turn on Automatic Updates.


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/russel_installsp2.mspx

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/842242

http://www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-service-pack-2.html

Windows Service Pack 2 Update from CD then see this site

http://wings.buffalo.edu/computing/Documentation/win/windowsupdatesp2.html

Answer 2

Bad news :-s Each major manufacturer has their own branded version of Windows. However, you can interchange their discs... so for example, HP discs works with other HP Products, and Dell discs work with other Dell computers and laptops. However, you cannot take an Acer disc and use it on a Dell or a computer you built. If you can, call up Fujitsu and they should be able to provide you with Recovery Discs in 2-3 days for less than $30 USD. Best of luck, Scott