Reinstall XP or not

[Teriel9]

I tried to install Norton Systemworks 2006 and it messed up my System.
When I tried to reinstall XP it said "the version I was trying to install
was earlier then my exisiting system" and that this would remove critical
files.
My question is, can I ignore this and just reinstall.
My current system has SP2.
Can I install and then reinstall SP2 which I have on a disk.
If none of the above, what should I do
Thanks in advance
Teriel9

 

[John Barnett MVP]

First of all have you tried a system restore to a point prior to you
installing systemworks? If not then try that first.

Your system is 'complaining' about the version because your CD doesn't
include SP2. Therefore your system 'does' contain a different version to
that on your CD. Three suggestions here.

1/ If you have a retail version of the XP CD (rather than a recovery disk
supplied by the pc manufacturer) you could first try a 'repair' install. For
more details visit my website http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org Click the Win
XP Faq button and look at question 55)

2/ You can re-install using your current XP CD and then, after you have
re-installed, you can install SP2 again. For more details on installing
visit my website and look at the illustrated guide to installing XP which is
question 85

3/ if you have a retail version of the XP CD you could slipstream the SP2
package onto a new CD. This will update your XP CD to include SP2. You could
then install from that. Once again details are available on my website
Question 83

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

 

[Teriel9]

Thanks John,
I'll try all and let you know how I get on
Teriel9

 

[Steve N.]

First of all have you tried a system restore to a point prior to you
installing systemworks? If not then try that first.

Your system is 'complaining' about the version because your CD doesn't
include SP2. Therefore your system 'does' contain a different version to
that on your CD. Three suggestions here.

1/ If you have a retail version of the XP CD (rather than a recovery disk
supplied by the pc manufacturer) you could first try a 'repair' install. For
more details visit my website http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org Click the Win
XP Faq button and look at question 55)

OEM supplied XP CDs are (not "quick restore" or otherwise OEM-crippled
CDs) also capable of a Repair Install.

I would not recommend performing a repair install of sp1 XP over sp2.
Many things get left behind from sp2 and you may run into problems
re-applying sp2 afterwards. A repair install with a slipstreamed sp2 CD
is a better recommendation.

2/ You can re-install using your current XP CD and then, after you have
re-installed, you can install SP2 again. For more details on installing
visit my website and look at the illustrated guide to installing XP which is
question 85

3/ if you have a retail version of the XP CD you could slipstream the SP2
package onto a new CD. This will update your XP CD to include SP2. You could
then install from that. Once again details are available on my website
Question 83

Slipstreaming is not limited to Retail version CDs, OEM CDs (again, not
"quick restore" or otherwise OEM-crippled CDs) can also be slipstreamed.

Steve N.

 

[Dave]

Can you explain what you mean by "it messed up my System"? Exactly what
are you getting?

 

[Mike Fields]

If you have EFS (Encrypting File System) enabled, do NOT
re-install windows until you have made sure your keys have
been backed up and exported. If you don't do this, when you
re-install windows, your files are now safe even from you. This
only applies if you have enabled EFS (it is not on by default).
If you do not use EFS, you may have ownership issues on a
re-install, but that should be easy to work.

mikey

 

[Teriel9]

Hi John,
Many thanks for your help.
I reinstalled both XP and SP2 as the restore facility was not available,
seems OK now
Regards
Teriel9

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Glad you got it sorted

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..