How the hell am I going to install SP2!!!!!!!!!!!!

[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!!!

[s7p9a2m4]

I've had no problems with sp2. You can get the download right from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

[warren_1979]

I've tried that and it just hangs my PC. Microsoft are a joke. I should be able to download it and install it fine (clean XP install). They are putting me at risk at the moment being on the internet and I'm paying for the privelage.

Thanks microsoft!!

[siuhrebel]

You can also have Microsoft send you sp2 on a cd for fee.
just follow the link.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...s/default.mspx

[whenrik]

Before you plug into the internet, make sure that you have enabled the Windows/Internet Connection Firewall. Also, install your antivirus software and update it as soon as you plug into the internet.

SP2 can take a very long time to install and may frequently appear to hang. I've had a 1Ghz laptop with 256MB ram take close to 3 hours to install. The progress bar is not very accurate. Let it start the install before you go to bed. If it is stll in progress the next morning it has definitely frozen. (don't forget to accept the agreements)

[paqman]

I agree with you on the whole microsoft thing. If I weren't so d@mned lazy, I would learn how to use a mac, or linux or something, but what can I say, I'm a conformist.

Check with your local pc shop. Mine gave me a copy of SP2 on cd for free. Or bring in a disc, and they'll probably burn you one for free.

You can protect your computer on the internet fairly well without SP2 while you figure out how to get it installed. I never had any problems installing it. I would get a software firewall installed. ZoneAlarm is a decent one, and you can get the personal version for free from www.zonelabs.com. Or you can head to your local office supply store, and pick up the pro version for about $30 or $40. HERE is their free download page. That firewall gives you complete control over who and what accesses your computer from the internet, as well as which programs access the internet from your computer.

Then get Adaware from www.lavasoftusa.com. The download for it is HERE.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Hope it helps some.

Oh, and if you really want to hear more of what I think about the whole microsoft thing, yes, it's buggy, and it bugs the hell out me, but I think if we were to get as many people using linux or macs as there are using windows, then they would become as big of targets as windows is, and we would be in the same spot with them as we are with windows. However, that doesn't mean that I don't think Microsoft is a bunch of crooks.

[Bandicootit]

Whenever I want a large download, I usually go to my ISP site..sometimes they have what I want, but also I can get them to download it for me. Saves a lot of time!
SP2 is best installed from the free CD obtained by contacting Microsoft, but would suggest that, once installed, activate the Automatic update as most CD versions are a bit old!

[snooker]

You might want to slipstream your copy of windows xp pro with sp2 , this way you wouldn't have to worry about downloading sp2 for the next time around , website below show how its done ...


http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp


.....

[sp_100]

Just as WHENRIK noted:

“… SP2 can take a very long time to install and may frequently appear to hang…”

Check How to successfully install Windows XP Service Pack 2.

You also can slipstream SP2:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=211227

And don't be so paranoid about SP1 (WinXP SP2 = security placebo? ). I am not even planning to upgrade my personal workstation to SP2.

Other links:

-Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
-Disable useless Windows Services
-Optimize and secure Network Settings

[paqman]

You may want to think about this after you've got it all working. Last time I reformatted my pc, I installed Windows, activated it, (via phone if possible so I don't have to get on the internet) then immediately installed Norton Ghost (or your favorite imaging sofware) and made a ghost image of the drive. That way, if I ever needed to reinstall, I don't ever have to worry about activating again, and I've got a basica install with no updates, that is clean and fresh.

Then I install all the updates, including SP2. Then I make another ghost image. That way you can re-image to that if you need.

Then I install all my favorite software, change all my settings, tweak out the system, and make one final ghost image. The only thing I don't do is put all my files on, cause I have tons of data.

This way, you have three points you can choose from, to install on the future, saving you a bunch of time from going through the install process again, and saving you from having to redownload all the updates. Of course, you'll still have to download any that have been put out since the time you made the disc, that's not a big deal.

The disc is good until you make any drastic hardware changes, and even then sometimes it will still work. Anyway, just some info that might help in the future!