Attempting XP update from SP1 to SP2

[Guest]

Currently using Windows XP Home Edition SP1.
Launched update to SP2 at Microsoft web site.
After about 1.5 hours, I see this message:
"Windows Service Pack Setup has encountered a problem and needs to close..."
I have checked Review your Update History. It shows a failed installation. I
have removed SP2.
I have again attempted update to SP2. Same problem again.
Any ideas, please?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Have you verified your computer is free of viruses, spyware and other
malware?
Are there any other problems? All problems, known and unknown. should be
resolved before installing anything especially something as major as a
Service Pack.

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist to help verify your computer
is ready for SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks to Jupiter Jones for your advice.

I followed the steps in your checklist up to #21 "Install SP2 by double
clicking on it, follow the prompts". It churned away for about 1h15m, then
displayed a similar error message. I re-instated MSCONFIG, connected the
network cable, then rebooted.

I have checked the restore points in System Restore. It appears that the
actual SP2 installation only took 16 minutes. Then it proceeded to install
over 50 updates. The last one in the list is "Installed Windows XP KB924496".
I assume that these updates had already been downloaded from a previous
attempt.

I have accessed the Microsoft Update website, then clicked Review your
Update History. There is no entry for Windows Service Pack 2 for my last
attempt. My previous attempts showed entries as "Installation Failure". The
nagging icon (re SP2) has vanished from the system tray.

I would appreciate any advice about achieving an SP2 install without
errors.....

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You probably have SP-2 installed.
If you downloaded the Network Installation of SP-2, you are not using
Windows Update and it is normal and expected for there to be no entry in
Windows Update History in this case.
To verify:
Right click My Computer and click Properties.
The installed Service pack is listed on the 4th line under System.

You could also verify by using the MBSA:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx