Help me! SP2 crashed computer!

[Guest]

OK,so a few months ago, when I agreed for my computer to auto update, it
installed sp2 and crashed the system. Meaning, it would only boot in 640X480
res, most programs didn't work, wouldnt display start menu etc. I tried
restoring the computer, and it would not work. I tried restoring in safe
mode, and was able to revert it back. A few days ago, I accidentally set up
for auto updates, and it did it again. I cannot get it to restore in safe or
normal mode. It says restore cannot protect my computer. What do I do? I
don't have money to take it in. IS there a patch somewhere or something?
Other people have told me this is common, but I can't seem to figure out how
to fix it. At the least, how to save my data if I have to format. Please
help, im lost!

 

[Rock]

OK,so a few months ago, when I agreed for my computer to auto update, it
installed sp2 and crashed the system. Meaning, it would only boot in 640X480
res, most programs didn't work, wouldnt display start menu etc. I tried
restoring the computer, and it would not work. I tried restoring in safe
mode, and was able to revert it back. A few days ago, I accidentally set up
for auto updates, and it did it again. I cannot get it to restore in safe or
normal mode. It says restore cannot protect my computer. What do I do? I
don't have money to take it in. IS there a patch somewhere or something?
Other people have told me this is common, but I can't seem to figure out how
to fix it. At the least, how to save my data if I have to format. Please
help, im lost!

For SP2 to be successful the system must be running well and have no
malware. If that's the case then for most the SP2 update will be fine.
Problems happen when there is a problem with the underlying
system/configuration before applying SP2. See these links:

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if
the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfully
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875355

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875350

Installing Service Packs
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Pre-Install, Install, Cleaning Up Afterwards
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Get the Latest Updates and Information from Your PC Manufacturer Before
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837783

 

[Plato]

OK,so a few months ago, when I agreed for my computer to auto update, it
installed sp2 and crashed the system. Meaning, it would only boot in 640X480

For the future, read this first before doing a MAJOR OS upgrade:
http://www.bootdisk.com/xptop20.htm#1