Installing Windows Xp service pack 2 successfully?

Hi,

I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing service
pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with pop-ups and
warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just recently
downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to put the
nail in the coffin, so to speak.

Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to disasterious
effects.
After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and I
was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by accidently
ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard drive. I
can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to gather as
much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.

When I contactted support about the problems with the first install, they
suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems. So for
this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD. But I
have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend broadband
users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).

So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are supposed
to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep my
computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned if I
do, damned if I don't".

Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?

I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your products.

Mike A.

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
--
Peter

Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.


"MikeA" <> wrote in message
news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
> service
> pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
> recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with pop-ups
> and
> warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
> recently
> downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to put
> the
> nail in the coffin, so to speak.
>
> Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to disasterious
> effects.
> After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and I
> was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
> accidently
> ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
> drive. I
> can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to gather
> as
> much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
>
> When I contactted support about the problems with the first install, they
> suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems. So
> for
> this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD. But
> I
> have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend broadband
> users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
>
> So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
> supposed
> to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep my
> computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned if
> I
> do, damned if I don't".
>
> Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
>
> I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
> smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your products.
>
> Mike A.

Hi,

Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees of
microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.

"Peter Foldes" wrote:

>
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> --
> Peter
>
> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
>
>
> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
> > service
> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with pop-ups
> > and
> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
> > recently
> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to put
> > the
> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
> >
> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to disasterious
> > effects.
> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and I
> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
> > accidently
> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
> > drive. I
> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to gather
> > as
> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
> >
> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install, they
> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems. So
> > for
> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD. But
> > I
> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend broadband
> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
> >
> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
> > supposed
> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep my
> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned if
> > I
> > do, damned if I don't".
> >
> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
> >
> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your products.
> >
> > Mike A.
>
>
>

Mike;
These are peer to peer newsgroups.
Answers generally come from people like you, myself and others.
Microsoft sometimes posts here, but they do so on their own time.

You are better off using the CD.
The reason Microsoft prefers the Express download is it uses less bandwidth
than downloading the CD.
The reason I prefer the CD is it allows the installer more control over the
installation preparation and installation.

The checklist Peter refers is one I devised while seeing the problems people
encountered installing Service Packs.
This checklist in various forms has been used for about 3 years.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
http://www.dts-l.org


"MikeA" <> wrote in message
news:812F33B6-F927-4FE2-BB2C-...
> Hi,
>
> Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees of
> microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.
>
> "Peter Foldes" wrote:
>
>>
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>> --
>> Peter
>>
>> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
>>
>>
>> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
>> > service
>> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
>> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with
>> > pop-ups
>> > and
>> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
>> > recently
>> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to
>> > put
>> > the
>> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
>> >
>> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to
>> > disasterious
>> > effects.
>> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and
>> > I
>> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
>> > accidently
>> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
>> > drive. I
>> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to
>> > gather
>> > as
>> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
>> >
>> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install,
>> > they
>> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems.
>> > So
>> > for
>> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD.
>> > But
>> > I
>> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend
>> > broadband
>> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
>> >
>> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
>> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
>> > supposed
>> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep
>> > my
>> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned
>> > if
>> > I
>> > do, damned if I don't".
>> >
>> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
>> >
>> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
>> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your
>> > products.
>> >
>> > Mike A.
>>
>>
>>

Thanks for your reply, Jupiter.

I have to preface what I'm going to say next . This is not for you, Jupiter,
it's for THEM. I'm am a very patient guy (people have commented on my
patience), I'm not critical of others easily.

That said, I've really had it up to here with this company.

First, THEY prompt ME to download an update that is supposed to help and
protect my system and it promptly destroys my computers ability to operate at
all. Then, in an effort to fix THAT, I misunderstand what were poorly
expressed install instructions to begin with, and in an attempt to abort, it
destroys all my files. Nice. Now, after ordering the CD, I see something on
microsoft's site telling me not to use but not telling me why. (If I didn't
post this you could have never told me, Jupiter) So now that I know to use
the CD, what do I find? Well, I open the envolope and the CD does not say
"Service Pack 2", it says, Service Pack 1".
I paid them shipping to ship me the wrong CD.

As I said, I'm a patient guy and if I tell you your company royal stinks,
believe me, it does.

Pathetic.


"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:

> Mike;
> These are peer to peer newsgroups.
> Answers generally come from people like you, myself and others.
> Microsoft sometimes posts here, but they do so on their own time.
>
> You are better off using the CD.
> The reason Microsoft prefers the Express download is it uses less bandwidth
> than downloading the CD.
> The reason I prefer the CD is it allows the installer more control over the
> installation preparation and installation.
>
> The checklist Peter refers is one I devised while seeing the problems people
> encountered installing Service Packs.
> This checklist in various forms has been used for about 3 years.
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> news:812F33B6-F927-4FE2-BB2C-...
> > Hi,
> >
> > Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees of
> > microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.
> >
> > "Peter Foldes" wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> >> --
> >> Peter
> >>
> >> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
> >>
> >>
> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> >> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
> >> > Hi,
> >> >
> >> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
> >> > service
> >> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
> >> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with
> >> > pop-ups
> >> > and
> >> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
> >> > recently
> >> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to
> >> > put
> >> > the
> >> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
> >> >
> >> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to
> >> > disasterious
> >> > effects.
> >> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and
> >> > I
> >> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
> >> > accidently
> >> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
> >> > drive. I
> >> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to
> >> > gather
> >> > as
> >> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
> >> >
> >> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install,
> >> > they
> >> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems.
> >> > So
> >> > for
> >> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD.
> >> > But
> >> > I
> >> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend
> >> > broadband
> >> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
> >> >
> >> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> >> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
> >> > supposed
> >> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep
> >> > my
> >> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned
> >> > if
> >> > I
> >> > do, damned if I don't".
> >> >
> >> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
> >> >
> >> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
> >> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your
> >> > products.
> >> >
> >> > Mike A.
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Hey mike,
from your start bar goto control panel,click control panel,add remove
programs then delete the service pack that is in question(sp2)it should show
up as windows service pack 2.
also before i forget i believe it will give you the option to either change
or remove it in this case you will wasnt to remove it if possible.
next reboot your machine then try to redownload the service pack again and
see if that helps.
good luck and hope this info helps you.

"MikeA" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing service
> pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
> recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with pop-ups and
> warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just recently
> downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to put the
> nail in the coffin, so to speak.
>
> Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to disasterious
> effects.
> After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and I
> was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by accidently
> ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard drive. I
> can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to gather as
> much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
>
> When I contactted support about the problems with the first install, they
> suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems. So for
> this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD. But I
> have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend broadband
> users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
>
> So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are supposed
> to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep my
> computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned if I
> do, damned if I don't".
>
> Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
>
> I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
> smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your products.
>
> Mike A.

AFAIK, MS stopped shipping SP1 CD's back in October last year (or even
before) - and as a far as I know they never charged shipping for either SP1
or SP2.

So - the question I have to ask is who did you order the CD from? - 'cos it
almost certainly wasn't MS!

--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

In fond memory of one of life's Gentlemen - Alex Nichol
http://www.aumha.org/alex.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"MikeA" <> wrote in message
news:53A12374-4B9C-45C0-BE30-...
> Thanks for your reply, Jupiter.
>
> I have to preface what I'm going to say next . This is not for you,
> Jupiter,
> it's for THEM. I'm am a very patient guy (people have commented on my
> patience), I'm not critical of others easily.
>
> That said, I've really had it up to here with this company.
>
> First, THEY prompt ME to download an update that is supposed to help and
> protect my system and it promptly destroys my computers ability to operate
> at
> all. Then, in an effort to fix THAT, I misunderstand what were poorly
> expressed install instructions to begin with, and in an attempt to abort,
> it
> destroys all my files. Nice. Now, after ordering the CD, I see something
> on
> microsoft's site telling me not to use but not telling me why. (If I
> didn't
> post this you could have never told me, Jupiter) So now that I know to use
> the CD, what do I find? Well, I open the envolope and the CD does not say
> "Service Pack 2", it says, Service Pack 1".
> I paid them shipping to ship me the wrong CD.
>
> As I said, I'm a patient guy and if I tell you your company royal stinks,
> believe me, it does.
>
> Pathetic.
>
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Mike;
>> These are peer to peer newsgroups.
>> Answers generally come from people like you, myself and others.
>> Microsoft sometimes posts here, but they do so on their own time.
>>
>> You are better off using the CD.
>> The reason Microsoft prefers the Express download is it uses less
>> bandwidth
>> than downloading the CD.
>> The reason I prefer the CD is it allows the installer more control over
>> the
>> installation preparation and installation.
>>
>> The checklist Peter refers is one I devised while seeing the problems
>> people
>> encountered installing Service Packs.
>> This checklist in various forms has been used for about 3 years.
>>
>> --
>> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
>> In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
>> http://www.dts-l.org
>>
>>
>> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> news:812F33B6-F927-4FE2-BB2C-...
>> > Hi,
>> >
>> > Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees of
>> > microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.
>> >
>> > "Peter Foldes" wrote:
>> >
>> >>
>> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>> >> --
>> >> Peter
>> >>
>> >> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> >
>> >> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
>> >> > service
>> >> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements
>> >> > microsoft
>> >> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with
>> >> > pop-ups
>> >> > and
>> >> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
>> >> > recently
>> >> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like
>> >> > to
>> >> > put
>> >> > the
>> >> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
>> >> >
>> >> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to
>> >> > disasterious
>> >> > effects.
>> >> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer
>> >> > and
>> >> > I
>> >> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
>> >> > accidently
>> >> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
>> >> > drive. I
>> >> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to
>> >> > gather
>> >> > as
>> >> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
>> >> >
>> >> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install,
>> >> > they
>> >> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the
>> >> > problems.
>> >> > So
>> >> > for
>> >> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on
>> >> > CD.
>> >> > But
>> >> > I
>> >> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend
>> >> > broadband
>> >> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
>> >> >
>> >> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
>> >> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
>> >> > supposed
>> >> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to
>> >> > keep
>> >> > my
>> >> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems
>> >> > "Damned
>> >> > if
>> >> > I
>> >> > do, damned if I don't".
>> >> >
>> >> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
>> >> >
>> >> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer
>> >> > running
>> >> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your
>> >> > products.
>> >> >
>> >> > Mike A.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

Hi, Thanks for your reply.

This is the address on the envolope the service pack 1 CD (I needed service
pack 2) was shipped in:

Microsoft Returns
3357H South Park Place
Grove City, OH 43123
USA

Note the reference to the fictional place in the address. Sometimes I think
I am dealing with the creators of South Park and not Windows.



"Noel Paton" wrote:

> AFAIK, MS stopped shipping SP1 CD's back in October last year (or even
> before) - and as a far as I know they never charged shipping for either SP1
> or SP2.
>
> So - the question I have to ask is who did you order the CD from? - 'cos it
> almost certainly wasn't MS!
>
> --
> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>
> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>
> In fond memory of one of life's Gentlemen - Alex Nichol
> http://www.aumha.org/alex.htm
>
> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>
> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> news:53A12374-4B9C-45C0-BE30-...
> > Thanks for your reply, Jupiter.
> >
> > I have to preface what I'm going to say next . This is not for you,
> > Jupiter,
> > it's for THEM. I'm am a very patient guy (people have commented on my
> > patience), I'm not critical of others easily.
> >
> > That said, I've really had it up to here with this company.
> >
> > First, THEY prompt ME to download an update that is supposed to help and
> > protect my system and it promptly destroys my computers ability to operate
> > at
> > all. Then, in an effort to fix THAT, I misunderstand what were poorly
> > expressed install instructions to begin with, and in an attempt to abort,
> > it
> > destroys all my files. Nice. Now, after ordering the CD, I see something
> > on
> > microsoft's site telling me not to use but not telling me why. (If I
> > didn't
> > post this you could have never told me, Jupiter) So now that I know to use
> > the CD, what do I find? Well, I open the envolope and the CD does not say
> > "Service Pack 2", it says, Service Pack 1".
> > I paid them shipping to ship me the wrong CD.
> >
> > As I said, I'm a patient guy and if I tell you your company royal stinks,
> > believe me, it does.
> >
> > Pathetic.
> >
> >
> > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
> >
> >> Mike;
> >> These are peer to peer newsgroups.
> >> Answers generally come from people like you, myself and others.
> >> Microsoft sometimes posts here, but they do so on their own time.
> >>
> >> You are better off using the CD.
> >> The reason Microsoft prefers the Express download is it uses less
> >> bandwidth
> >> than downloading the CD.
> >> The reason I prefer the CD is it allows the installer more control over
> >> the
> >> installation preparation and installation.
> >>
> >> The checklist Peter refers is one I devised while seeing the problems
> >> people
> >> encountered installing Service Packs.
> >> This checklist in various forms has been used for about 3 years.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> >> In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
> >> http://www.dts-l.org
> >>
> >>
> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> >> news:812F33B6-F927-4FE2-BB2C-...
> >> > Hi,
> >> >
> >> > Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees of
> >> > microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.
> >> >
> >> > "Peter Foldes" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> >> >> --
> >> >> Peter
> >> >>
> >> >> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
> >> >> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
> >> >> > Hi,
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing
> >> >> > service
> >> >> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements
> >> >> > microsoft
> >> >> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with
> >> >> > pop-ups
> >> >> > and
> >> >> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just
> >> >> > recently
> >> >> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > put
> >> >> > the
> >> >> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to
> >> >> > disasterious
> >> >> > effects.
> >> >> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer
> >> >> > and
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by
> >> >> > accidently
> >> >> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard
> >> >> > drive. I
> >> >> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to
> >> >> > gather
> >> >> > as
> >> >> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install,
> >> >> > they
> >> >> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the
> >> >> > problems.
> >> >> > So
> >> >> > for
> >> >> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on
> >> >> > CD.
> >> >> > But
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend
> >> >> > broadband
> >> >> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
> >> >> >
> >> >> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> >> >> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are
> >> >> > supposed
> >> >> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to
> >> >> > keep
> >> >> > my
> >> >> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems
> >> >> > "Damned
> >> >> > if
> >> >> > I
> >> >> > do, damned if I don't".
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer
> >> >> > running
> >> >> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your
> >> >> > products.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Mike A.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

Thanks for your help and suggestions but the service pack is NOT installed on
my computer at this time.

Right now I wouldn't touch any Microsoft update with a ten foot pole, after
what the last one did to my computer. I'm sure you'll understand, I have to
be absolutely certain the service pack 2 update will not harm my computer
again, whether I download it or install fron a CD. And no offense to the
posters in this thread but, my concerns and apprehensions have not been
alleviated here.

"BRIAN LEE BLUNK" wrote:

> Hey mike,
> from your start bar goto control panel,click control panel,add remove
> programs then delete the service pack that is in question(sp2)it should show
> up as windows service pack 2.
> also before i forget i believe it will give you the option to either change
> or remove it in this case you will wasnt to remove it if possible.
> next reboot your machine then try to redownload the service pack again and
> see if that helps.
> good luck and hope this info helps you.
>
> "MikeA" wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience installing service
> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements microsoft
> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with pop-ups and
> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I just recently
> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still like to put the
> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
> >
> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to disasterious
> > effects.
> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my computer and I
> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse by accidently
> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my hard drive. I
> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying to gather as
> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
> >
> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first install, they
> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the problems. So for
> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update on CD. But I
> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend broadband
> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
> >
> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer and
> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that are supposed
> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need to keep my
> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems "Damned if I
> > do, damned if I don't".
> >
> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
> >
> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer running
> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your products.
> >
> > Mike A.

I asked you from where you ordered the CD - not where it needs to be
returned to!!

FWIW, that addy is perfectly valid - for press queries.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/Bo...ok/buy/faq.asp

To my eyes (from a distance of 3-4000miles) it looks to me as if you got
what you asked for - only what you asked for wasn't what you wanted or
needed.

AFAIK, there is only one valid place to order the CD from -
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...s/default.mspx


--
Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)

Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm

In fond memory of one of life's Gentlemen - Alex Nichol
http://www.aumha.org/alex.htm

Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's

"MikeA" <> wrote in message
news:4B1BFBD1-F489-48AA-8CE3-...
> Hi, Thanks for your reply.
>
> This is the address on the envolope the service pack 1 CD (I needed
> service
> pack 2) was shipped in:
>
> Microsoft Returns
> 3357H South Park Place
> Grove City, OH 43123
> USA
>
> Note the reference to the fictional place in the address. Sometimes I
> think
> I am dealing with the creators of South Park and not Windows.
>
>
>
> "Noel Paton" wrote:
>
>> AFAIK, MS stopped shipping SP1 CD's back in October last year (or even
>> before) - and as a far as I know they never charged shipping for either
>> SP1
>> or SP2.
>>
>> So - the question I have to ask is who did you order the CD from? - 'cos
>> it
>> almost certainly wasn't MS!
>>
>> --
>> Noel Paton (MS-MVP 2002-2005, Windows)
>>
>> Nil Carborundum Illegitemi
>> http://www.btinternet.com/~winnoel/millsrpch.htm
>>
>> In fond memory of one of life's Gentlemen - Alex Nichol
>> http://www.aumha.org/alex.htm
>>
>> Please read http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm on how to post messages to NG's
>>
>> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> news:53A12374-4B9C-45C0-BE30-...
>> > Thanks for your reply, Jupiter.
>> >
>> > I have to preface what I'm going to say next . This is not for you,
>> > Jupiter,
>> > it's for THEM. I'm am a very patient guy (people have commented on my
>> > patience), I'm not critical of others easily.
>> >
>> > That said, I've really had it up to here with this company.
>> >
>> > First, THEY prompt ME to download an update that is supposed to help
>> > and
>> > protect my system and it promptly destroys my computers ability to
>> > operate
>> > at
>> > all. Then, in an effort to fix THAT, I misunderstand what were poorly
>> > expressed install instructions to begin with, and in an attempt to
>> > abort,
>> > it
>> > destroys all my files. Nice. Now, after ordering the CD, I see
>> > something
>> > on
>> > microsoft's site telling me not to use but not telling me why. (If I
>> > didn't
>> > post this you could have never told me, Jupiter) So now that I know to
>> > use
>> > the CD, what do I find? Well, I open the envolope and the CD does not
>> > say
>> > "Service Pack 2", it says, Service Pack 1".
>> > I paid them shipping to ship me the wrong CD.
>> >
>> > As I said, I'm a patient guy and if I tell you your company royal
>> > stinks,
>> > believe me, it does.
>> >
>> > Pathetic.
>> >
>> >
>> > "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Mike;
>> >> These are peer to peer newsgroups.
>> >> Answers generally come from people like you, myself and others.
>> >> Microsoft sometimes posts here, but they do so on their own time.
>> >>
>> >> You are better off using the CD.
>> >> The reason Microsoft prefers the Express download is it uses less
>> >> bandwidth
>> >> than downloading the CD.
>> >> The reason I prefer the CD is it allows the installer more control
>> >> over
>> >> the
>> >> installation preparation and installation.
>> >>
>> >> The checklist Peter refers is one I devised while seeing the problems
>> >> people
>> >> encountered installing Service Packs.
>> >> This checklist in various forms has been used for about 3 years.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
>> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
>> >> In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol
>> >> http://www.dts-l.org
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> >> news:812F33B6-F927-4FE2-BB2C-...
>> >> > Hi,
>> >> >
>> >> > Are all responses to questions in these forums answered by employees
>> >> > of
>> >> > microsoft? I'd like to know who are my sources for info. Thanks.
>> >> >
>> >> > "Peter Foldes" wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> >>
>> >> >> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>> >> >> --
>> >> >> Peter
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Please reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "MikeA" <> wrote in message
>> >> >> news:02F19477-393B-4CA1-8980-...
>> >> >> > Hi,
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I'm trying to find out how to have a pain free experience
>> >> >> > installing
>> >> >> > service
>> >> >> > pack 2 for windows xp. My system meets all the requirements
>> >> >> > microsoft
>> >> >> > recommends on their site. My system is constantly bombarded with
>> >> >> > pop-ups
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > warning messages. I have spybot and ad-aware. Ad-aware, which I
>> >> >> > just
>> >> >> > recently
>> >> >> > downloaded, seems to be having some good effect but I'd still
>> >> >> > like
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > put
>> >> >> > the
>> >> >> > nail in the coffin, so to speak.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Now, I have tried downloading service pack 2 once before to
>> >> >> > disasterious
>> >> >> > effects.
>> >> >> > After downloading the first time it completely disabled my
>> >> >> > computer
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > was not able to boot to the desktop. Then, I made matters worse
>> >> >> > by
>> >> >> > accidently
>> >> >> > ending an install fix which completely deleted everything on my
>> >> >> > hard
>> >> >> > drive. I
>> >> >> > can't afford to make any mistakes like that again so I'm trying
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > gather
>> >> >> > as
>> >> >> > much info for a successful install of service pack 2 as I can.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > When I contactted support about the problems with the first
>> >> >> > install,
>> >> >> > they
>> >> >> > suggested that a "corrupt download" was responsible for the
>> >> >> > problems.
>> >> >> > So
>> >> >> > for
>> >> >> > this latest attempt, I took their advice and ordered the update
>> >> >> > on
>> >> >> > CD.
>> >> >> > But
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > have DSL now, and I see on microsoft's site that they recommend
>> >> >> > broadband
>> >> >> > users install the update via DOWNLOAD (NOT CD).
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > So, as you can guess, I am very apprehensive microsoft customer
>> >> >> > and
>> >> >> > distrustful about getting my computer the proper updates that
>> >> >> > are
>> >> >> > supposed
>> >> >> > to HELP my computer, not totally disable it. Yet I know, I need
>> >> >> > to
>> >> >> > keep
>> >> >> > my
>> >> >> > computer up to date. What to do? What to do? So far, it's seems
>> >> >> > "Damned
>> >> >> > if
>> >> >> > I
>> >> >> > do, damned if I don't".
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Should I download a second time or should I completely forget it?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I am looking for answers and advice on how to keep my computer
>> >> >> > running
>> >> >> > smoothly without having to become a unpaid service tech for your
>> >> >> > products.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Mike A.
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>