Window XP SP1 ends

I been attempting to update Windows XP in order to comply with the message I
keep getting from MS dealing with the SP1 ending October 10. 2006. What does
this mean and why am I unable to get to a page that will help with
instructions for updating my computer if it is truly necessary. When I put
SP2 on the computer--it totally messed up many functions and files. Will
this happen again? My family members are telling me to scrap my PCs and get
a MAC so I am not bombared with all these upgrades and virus warnings. It is
not an option as my work requires me to use the PC and MS programs. Are
changes being made in the NEAR future?

Out of curiosity, do all these "family members" use MACS?


"Burtdrlj" <> wrote in message
news:04AD7D39-986E-4AB2-8B49-...
>I been attempting to update Windows XP in order to comply with the message
>I
> keep getting from MS dealing with the SP1 ending October 10. 2006. What
> does
> this mean and why am I unable to get to a page that will help with
> instructions for updating my computer if it is truly necessary. When I
> put
> SP2 on the computer--it totally messed up many functions and files. Will
> this happen again? My family members are telling me to scrap my PCs and
> get
> a MAC so I am not bombared with all these upgrades and virus warnings. It
> is
> not an option as my work requires me to use the PC and MS programs. Are
> changes being made in the NEAR future?

1. Uninstall SP2 via Add/Remove Programs and reboot.

2. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

3. Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default...xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org

Burtdrlj wrote:
> I been attempting to update Windows XP in order to comply with the
> message I keep getting from MS dealing with the SP1 ending October 10.
> 2006. What does this mean and why am I unable to get to a page that will
> help with instructions for updating my computer if it is truly necessary.
> When I put SP2 on the computer--it totally messed up many functions and
> files. Will this happen again? My family members are telling me to
> scrap my PCs and get a MAC so I am not bombared with all these upgrades
> and virus warnings. It is not an option as my work requires me to use
> the PC and MS programs. Are changes being made in the NEAR future?