1.1GB installation of SP2, 12mb space left, no room to remove

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My computer was running well with 1.1GB extra hard drive space. Because MS
kept saying that I needed to upgrade to SP2, I went ahead, not expecting that
my computer would not be able to operate well and that I would only have 12mb
of disk space left after a successful installation. When I try to remove
SP2, the uninstall program says that I need at least 300 and some mb of disk
space to uninstall. I can't afford to replace the programs I bought with my
used computer and don't have the disks to reinstall them. Is there some way
to remove SP2 or did it just ruin a nice laptop?
 
Larry said:
My computer was running well with 1.1GB extra hard drive space. Because MS
kept saying that I needed to upgrade to SP2, I went ahead, not expecting that
my computer would not be able to operate well and that I would only have 12mb
of disk space left after a successful installation. When I try to remove
SP2, the uninstall program says that I need at least 300 and some mb of disk
space to uninstall. I can't afford to replace the programs I bought with my
used computer and don't have the disks to reinstall them. Is there some way
to remove SP2 or did it just ruin a nice laptop?
Click to expand...



try runnign disk cleanup.

also check system restore...
by default it's set way larger than is needed...
you can reduce it quite a bit


also...at least temporarily...turn off hybernation

and even reduce your page file


reboot and see if you have more room on the drive
 
Larry said:
My computer was running well with 1.1GB extra hard drive space.
Because MS kept saying that I needed to upgrade to SP2, I went ahead,
not expecting that my computer would not be able to operate well and
that I would only have 12mb of disk space left after a successful
installation. When I try to remove SP2, the uninstall program says
that I need at least 300 and some mb of disk space to uninstall. I
can't afford to replace the programs I bought with my used computer
and don't have the disks to reinstall them. Is there some way to
remove SP2 or did it just ruin a nice laptop?
Click to expand...

Next time, read the instructions on applying SP2. You need a new hard drive
anyway; even without SP2 you're way too low on space.

Yes, you ruined the laptop. Please send it to me for proper disposal.

Pop`
 
Larry said:
My computer was running well with 1.1GB extra hard drive space. Because
MS
kept saying that I needed to upgrade to SP2, I went ahead, not expecting
that
my computer would not be able to operate well and that I would only have
12mb
of disk space left after a successful installation. When I try to remove
SP2, the uninstall program says that I need at least 300 and some mb of
disk
space to uninstall. I can't afford to replace the programs I bought with
my
used computer and don't have the disks to reinstall them. Is there some
way
to remove SP2 or did it just ruin a nice laptop?
Click to expand...

To be frank, SP2 didn't ruin anything. It is your responsibility to ensure
that software you install is suitable, and that includes being sure there is
space for it.

To your present problem:

Your best bet is to get a new, larger, hard disk and clone your existing
drive to it. This will allow you to retain all programs and settings *as
they are* and you can be done in a short time.

You will need four things:

1) Another XP system with enough disk space;
2) one or two USB laptop drive cases or adapters (about $20) - you need two
if you want to clone the disk in one step;
3) a new larger laptop drive (depending on size, under $100);
4) the Acronis TrueImage Home free trial version (free, but 100 meg
download, www.acronis.com).

Download and install the TrueImage Home trial to the other XP system.
Remove the hard disk from your laptop, and attach it to the USB case or
adapter. Connect this to the XP system. If you want do be done in one
step, attach the new drive now.

Now run TrueImage and tell it to clone the old laptop drive. Do this in
"manual" mode, as Automatic mode uses the same settings as the original
drive. In Manual mode, you can tell TrueImage to use all of the space on
the new drive.

When the process is complete, detach the drives from the host system and put
the new drive in the laptop in place of the old one. You're done and have
extended the life of your laptop.

Your next best bet is to copy data off - not programs - to make space,
perhaps again using the other system and USB drive case. Then uninstall
SP2, and copy the data back.

A good place to look for space to clear is the temp folders and content.ie5
folders. These can be cleared entirely.

HTH
-pk
 
Thank you so much for your assistance. The system restore reduction was what
I needed to uninstall service pack 2 and the computer runs fine for what I
use it for. I didn't have money to buy another computer or upgrade so your
solution was quite helpful. As long as I keep my firewall and virus and
adware protection up-to-date, I should be fine for a while.
 
I admit I was not too smart about downloading SP2, but I asked for help and
not assistance in disposing of my laptop. You obviously think too highly of
yourself and don't know enough about computers to help someone. All that was
needed was to lower my system restore settings as "philo" suggested. My
laptop is now working very well for what I use it for and I have plenty of
disk space for word processing and spread sheets and sending emails, no
thanks to you.
 
Thanks for your assistance. As soon as I can afford to upgrade, I will take
your advice. I appreciate the detailed help.
 
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