DELL with SP2

Question

Hi, Ok I have a DELL Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 2002, IE 6.0, SP1 Intel (R) Pentium (R) 4CPU 2.66GHz 512MB of RAM   I'm considering of reinstalling my system because my computer got so much trouble.  However, I have tried downloading and installing SP2 in the past and got the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) as a result and it took some time to get my system back.  The XP CD-rom I have has the SP1 on it so once I reinstall my system, SP1 will be there.  But everyone keeps telling me to get SP2.  Does SP2 come on a CD-ROM or do you have to download it and install it yourself?  I'd like to install SP2 but I'm hestitant to do it because of what it did to my computer before.  Has anyone ever had that happen to them before?  What would be the reason you would get a BSOD after installing SP2?  A lot of people have them and keep telling me to get it as if it's the greatest thing.  I'm sure it is but unfortunately, I couldn't find out for myself because it nearly ruined my system.  So can a DELL user with computer specs like mine use SP2 safely without getting the BSOD or anything that can be bad?  How is that possible?  How do I use SP2 safely without getting the BSOD or anything else?  Once I reinstall my system, SP1 would be there because that's what's on the XP CD-ROM and I'm not sure if installing SP2 then would be good because of conflicting.  I just wanted to know because I want to reinstall my system but not sure if I can use SP2 safely without getting the blue screen or anything.  If I can't and I will get the blue screen based on my computer specs, then I'll just stick with SP1. Thanks.

Flooby · Answer

It would probably help to know the specific model of the system in question (i.e., Dimension 8400, etc.), but you're certainly not the first person to have problems getting SP2 installed. It does go on much better when it's installed as a part of a clean installation of the core operating system, rather than being installed after everything else is on there, and it should most definitely be installed, under any circumstances, as it contains many essential security and functionality updates.

You can order SP2 on a CD here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

You may also be able to find it at CompUSA and other similar stores. Unless they've changed something recently, there's no charge for the CD at these locations.

byker49 · Answer

Make sure your computer is clear of viruses,worms,and other pests before installing SP2.

SR45 · Answer

If you need the disk for SP-2, than click on first link. Second link is from Microsoft on cleaning the system of spyware first

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx SP-2 order site

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx How to install SP-2 and using a spyware program

Liz81 · Answer

I have mcafee so I hope that's good enough to find any viruses, worms or anything in my computer.  As for installing SP2, can't it be downloaded as well once I've reinstalled the system?  Or does it have to be already in there with a CD because I don't have the CD right now.

simpswr · Answer

Del has a BIOS update for the 4600 that corrects a Prescott issue with SP2 ..  Try updating the BIOS then applying SP2 . . either downloading the full version or ordering the CD . .

Liz81 · Answer

if SP2 must be installed with the disk then why are we provided the chance to download it?  I can't download it til I get my internet connection up after the reinstall so does the SP2 have to be installed as the system is reinstalling or can I download it and install it after windows is back up?   Also, I hope that when I reinstall the system, the D, E and A drives won't be messed up and would still be there.   Does anyone know anything about the D-Link Air -520 or wireless connection?  I've never reinstalled the system since I got this connection and wanted to be sure that I can still connect and how I can connect back to the Internet with that wireless connection after reinstallation.    Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you that I have also Dimensions 4600. Message Edited by Liz81 on 02-08-2006 06:24 PM

Liz81 · Answer

I'll see about downloading it after reinstallation finishes.  Also, when I read how to do the reinstall, it said you gotta put in your password for admin.  I never ever put in a password everytime I log in and I'm admin.

cdtUK · Answer

1. Regarding using or not using a Password when reinstalling an operating system (Dell XP with SP2), I intended to use the Repair (R) method with my Operating System disk, however, getting through the reinstalling procedure and arriving at a window requesting a Password entry - I don't use one but one needs to be entered.

So I could not proceed with (R) which would have preserved my Folders, Files, Applications etc., so I had to use the setup procedure which installs a fresh copy over the existing, losing all of above Folders etc.

2. So when I get around to it I will enter an easy to remember Password so as to use Repair (R) in the future. Make it easy>>>>>>>>USE A PASSWORD.

simpswr · Answer

If you did not set a password, at the point it asks for one, just enter with the space blank and it should proceed.

Liz81 · Answer

The disk I'm about to use for the reinstall has SP1 on it so I hope after windows is reinstalled and downloaded SP2, it won't mess up or give me the BSOD due to conflict.  I was worried there about the conflict with the SP1 already there.

simpswr · Answer

Just be sure to upgrade the BIOS prior to upgrading to SP2 . . and start the XP Firewall before going online.

simpswr · Answer

I don't ever recall being asked to set up a password when installing XP Home . . you will be asked to set up a user, but it does not need a password

This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell: http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

Liz81 · Answer

according to windowsreinstall.com, it won't ask for a password but ask you to set one up.  It said I must provide a name and Administrator password to my computer.  That's what I was asking about.

Liz81 · Answer

I thought my router is a firewall as well?  That's pretty much the firewall I use for my computer right now.

simpswr · Answer

It is . . I like to use the windows firewall as well to suppliment it. How did the install go?

Windows General

DELL with SP2

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