Hello out there!
I am upgrading to Windows XP SP2. I am using Windows XP SP1, and having
updated my computer, Windows Geniune Advantage Notifications is telling me
that I should update.
Will updating to SP2 delete all my files and drivers?
Upgrading to SP2 should retain data and programs, however things can go
wrong, and this is a major upgrade of the operating system.
I would first image the system as it is now to an external hard drive. I
recommend Acronis True Image Home, version 10. An image is a file, normally
compressed, which contains all the data on the drive. If needed this an
image can be restored relatively quickly, so if something goes wrong during
the upgrade, and the system is not operable, restoring the image gets you
back to a running system. I routinely image for backup purposes.
Here are some links with info about applying SP2. I recommend you either
get the SP2 CD and install from that or if you have broadband you can
download the full version, which is an *.iso, and burn that to CD, then
install from that CD.
It is critical that the XP system be running well with no operating problems
and no malware. Updating an OS that has problems is not going to work very
well.
Download Windows Service Pack 2 Standalone Version
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default810.mspx
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