How to Prepare for SP2 Install?

I have the CD version of XPSP2 and have been afraid to install it
because my computer runs very good, for the most part, and I'm afraid
things will stop working due to the upgrade. What must I do to prepare
the computer for the upgrade?
What about installing new software drivers prior to SP2 or wait until
after?
What should I back up?
Am I opening Pandora's Box? I never upgraded to SP1 for this very
reason--fear of crashing a stable machine.
Opinions?

Service Pack 2 information
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

List of fixes included in Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811113

WinXP SP2: What's New for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...eoverview.mspx



Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

How to successfully install Windows XP Service Pack 2.
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/winxpsp2install.htm

Are You Ready for WinXP SP2?
http://support.microsoft.com/default...r=windowsxpsp2

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx
What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2


"Ann Meffert" <> wrote in message
news:_jssd.90641$...
>I have the CD version of XPSP2 and have been afraid to install it
> because my computer runs very good, for the most part, and I'm afraid
> things will stop working due to the upgrade. What must I do to prepare
> the computer for the upgrade?
> What about installing new software drivers prior to SP2 or wait until
> after?
> What should I back up?
> Am I opening Pandora's Box? I never upgraded to SP1 for this very
> reason--fear of crashing a stable machine.
> Opinions?
>