Windows XP SP1 upgrade to SP2

[Guest]

Hi.

I have recently upgraded my laptop from WinME to WinXP Home SP1 which I
would like to download SP2 via Automatic Update. When I check in my control
panel it says that Windows update is unavailable. Is this because my Internet
browser is not Microsoft but Mozilla Firefox or is there some other way I can
get round this?

Many thanks and regards,
Steve B.

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Windows Update only works with Internet Explorer, so open Internet
Explorer and go to Windows Update.

 

[Guest]

Do I have to update any of my settings to allow me to connect to the Internet
via MIE and not Firefox?

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Nope. Lots of folks use both browsers on the same computer.

 

[Guest]

Big problems now I'm afraid !! Last night managed to upgrade from SP1 to SP2.
Took a couple of hours to upgrade and said it needed to reboot my laptop to
effect the changes. But after it restart, after the initial black screen with
XP logo and moving progress bar, I get the sky blue screen with XP logo and
dark blue banners at top and bottom. Instead of saying 'Welcome' and loading
my desktop as normal, I just get stuck with the blue screen !! I left it on
overnight thinking it might be a slow process, but it was still stuck this
morning. No keys or mouse button work to try and get it going, although the
cursor is still moving on the screen when I move the mouse. I had to remove
the battery from my laptop to switch it off. This happens every time I try to
turn it back on !! Please can you help me? I have no idea what I should do
next !!

 

[Ted Zieglar]

Uninstall SP 2:

"How to Remove Windows XP Service Pack 2"
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/remove.mspx

Prepare your computer for SP 2:

"Get Your PC Ready for Windows XP SP2"
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Don't attempt to install the upgrade unless your computer is
problem-free and being operated in a way supported by Microsoft.

Now install SP 2 again:

"Detailed installation walkthrough for Windows XP Service Pack 2"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875364

 

[Guest]

Unfortunately for all the tips you state below, you have to be logged into XP
and have access to the Start button, but, as I stated before, I cannot get
past (In fact I cannot even get !!) the welcome screen when I boot up. Is
there any other way to get up and running again without being logged into XP?

 

[Ted Zieglar]

"How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP"
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315341