Another warning about SP2

[Roland Openshaw]

I just thought it worth passing on another warning about SP2 service
pack....

I installed it on a relatively new, clean system, via a broadband link and
it completely totalled the PC, which wouldn't even boot in safe mode after
the install. I had to reformat the hard disc and reinstall XP.

I tried it 3 times, twice under the guidance of microsoft's phone support,
all with the same effect.

Microsoft eventually said the the upgrade was a bit buggy and that I should
wait for a magazine mounted CD.

<sigh>

Roland

 

[JAX]

Hi Roland,

I also had problems after installing SP2. First attempt was via the
"network" install download and, after uninstalling SP2, I tried the WUpdates
method. That caused problems as well.

After reading many posts on this newsgroup, and others, I decided that there
was some preexisting problem with my computer. There is no way of telling
what it was, but after doing a clean install of XP, I installed SP2 and it
went without a hitch. The SP install was preformed from the "network"
install I had saved to a file and done before installing anything else or
connecting to the internet.

The problems I experienced may have been caused by some spyware that was not
detected by my anti-spyware programs, some settings that were on the PC, or
who knows what. At any rate, I have reinstalled most all of my applications
and everything is working great.

A clean install may be a radical approach, but it cured my problems and now,
I'm a happy camper!

FWIW, JAX

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"Microsoft eventually said the upgrade was a bit buggy..."?
Once it is installed, it is identical.
That Microsoft tech may be uninformed.

However it is often better to install directly from the CD instead of
Automatic Update.

Did you prepare your computer:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
Do you have a Prescott?
If so do NOT install SP-2 until you read the appropriate link.