MS programs and utilities won't launch after SP2 upgrade

[Guest]

After upgrading my XP OS to SP2 I find that several Microsoft shortcuts,
icons in the START menu and icons on the Program menu will not launch.
Specifically, Internet Explorer, My Computer and My Documents willl not
launch. I click (or double-click) the icon, the hard drive churns and the
cursur shows an hourglass momentarily and then - nothing. After a couple of
attempts the desktop locks up and even the START button can not be clicked.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

If you run an XP "Upgrade"setup, from the original, or "Gold" version of the setup CD, and you have SP2 installed, it might go into
a setup loop, and you could lose your install. Uninstall SP2, BEFORE you Upgrade setup from CD (that lacks sp2 on it.)
875350 - How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875350
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install: http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm