SP2 - "standalone" version of XP?

[Ian Ripsher]

Is SP2 a "standalone" version of XP? - will I have to install it on top of
SP1, or can I obtain it on CD (as a registered user of SP1) and install it
on a clean formatted HD? (I recall with my upgrade version of Win98SE I
needed to install Win98Gold first and then put SE on top - it wouldn't
merely accept me showing it the Gold media during installations, like most
upgrade installations do.) Grateful if somebody could tell what the
installation/upgrade options for SP2 will be.

Many thanks

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

The distribution paths for SP2 have not yet been announced. It's not yet
out of beta though it is on its first release candidate. Nonetheless, the
distribution paths have not been announced. If it follows previous pattern,
only the update will be available for download which will require users to
install over their current XP setup. Usually, the fully integrated version
is only available at retail though there are usually instructions online for
users who wish to slipstream it into a setup they currently have.

 

[Steve Nielsen]

Not the same as an upgrade. Service packs are cumulative, so you don't
need to have previous SP installed, however should the SP2 install botch
your system it's good to be able to roll back to SP1. Backup your data
first anyway.

Steve

 

[Richard Urban]

SP2 will NOT install unless you have Windows XP on your computer first. It
is not "stand alone" anything. It is an upgrade "service pack"!

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard