SP2 install strategy, help wanted.

[JP]

I have a laptop which came preinstalled with XPSP1, now I am planning to
install SP2 on it, but in the time since SP1 I have kept it updated with
hotfixes and win updates etc. To the full extent, now I can see so many
hotfixes etc installed already on it. I can see a big list in the Control
panel -> add remove programs.

I have just counted them they are 21 of them including 3 XP SP2 hotfixes!

My question is should I uninstall all of these before installing SP2? As
SP's are cumulative it should contain all of these in it, it will even
eliminate the 21 entries in the add remove programs menu.

I am not very sure if this is right hence an expert opinion is requested.

Thanks in advance,
JP

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Leave the current hotfixes installed as SP2 will remove them.
After installing SP2, use the following utility to remove all
the old hotfix uninstall files.

Remove Hotfix Backup files and the Add/Remove Programs Registry entries
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

:
|
| I have a laptop which came preinstalled with XPSP1, now I am planning to
| install SP2 on it, but in the time since SP1 I have kept it updated with
| hotfixes and win updates etc. To the full extent, now I can see so many
| hotfixes etc installed already on it. I can see a big list in the Control
| panel -> add remove programs.
|
| I have just counted them they are 21 of them including 3 XP SP2 hotfixes!
|
| My question is should I uninstall all of these before installing SP2? As
| SP's are cumulative it should contain all of these in it, it will even
| eliminate the 21 entries in the add remove programs menu.
|
| I am not very sure if this is right hence an expert opinion is requested.
|
| Thanks in advance,
| JP

 

[JP]

Thanks for your reply,

I am wondering if I use the utility you mentioned, will I then be able to
restore my laptop to the pre SP2 state if I need to after installing SP2. I
just want to play safe and not loose my laptop's stability which is pretty
ok as of now with only SP1.

Although SP2 is recommended by MSFT but reading all the problems people are
facing with SP2 I want to play safe.

Thanks again,
JP

 

[Guest]

Leave them alone.
In SP2 you’ll see a new checkbox that will allow you to hide them.

Good Luck!
---
How to successfully install Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/winxpsp2install.htm

How to optimize Windows XP, 2000, ME
for the best performance (Step-by-step Visual Guide):
http://www.fixyourwindows.com