[warren_1979]

I've got a clean install of windows XP pro (not a copy with C.O.A.), I've tried downloading the whole SP2 file from some well respected computer site (no names) and it didn't work.

I've heard going onto the internet with only SP1 can be quite a dangerous outing as loads of worms and viruses can infect your PC. So I was loathed to try the auto update built into windows. To cut a long story short I've spent 3 hours trying to install sp2 via a broadband connection. It downloaded OK (via windows update) but just hung the PC when it was finalising the operation. I then had to roll back the SP2 changes and basically I've wasted 3 hours of my life to a joke. A effing joke!

I just don't know how microsoft can get away with releasing a product (xp three years ago) that had more holes than a piece of swiss cheese. How can this be right. You go spend good money on a operation system and then your told to download a file over 150MB in size (what if you've got dial-up) that fixes critical updates. Critical updates! Your basically downloading 20% of XP that should have been included in the first place! Get real.

This domination by microsoft on the OP market is surely a total disgrace. They should be cut down to size, with more competition being helped into the
market place (e.g. linux).

I'm sorry for the rant but I've just wasted an evening trying to install that piece of crap SP2.

Bill Gate and his cronies are a joke!!!