My copy of Windows XP, SP2 was downloaded from Microsoft's Windows Update sight. Then, later, I ordered and received the cd version from Microsoft. My question now is this: may I install the cd version over the downloaded version without encountering any problems?
Why would you want to? If the downloaded version is on there and functioning properly, you're not going to gain anything by duplicating your efforts. In the case of the core OS, what you're proposing is referred to as a "dirty installation," with emphasis on the "dirty," from a performance standpoint.
If SP2 shows up when you run winver from Start - Run, that's all you need. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Yes, I am familiar with that old axiom "If it ain't broken don't fix it." But, after downloads, there is always this nagging notion in my mind that a file or two might have been missed. It happened to me once and ever since I've been a bit suspicious of downloaded programs. I know I probably could uninstall Win XP and SP2, then reinstall them, but I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble.
Hello, Flooby: I know I probably could uninstall Win XP and SP2, then reinstall them, but I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble.
No, you can't. You can format the drive (i.e., delete
everything on the partition on which Windows XP currently resides), and reinstall the OS and SP2 to a formatted drive, or you can reinstall bad over good, or bad over bad, but a dirty installation is still a dirty installation. When it comes to dirty installations, programs are one thing - operating systems and major service packs are another. If you have no indication that your previous installation of SP2 (or indeed, the core operating system) was inadequate, there is absolutely no good reason to compound adequate with the unknown.
Bill,
I agree with Flooby. I believe you're ok with what you have.
That being said....
I have on three occasions successfully uninstalled SP2 while trying to resolve a performance issue and an application install problem. The initial upgrade to SP2 was from the downloaded version.
The first time, I had a performance problem, so I uninstalled only SP2 by double clicking spuninst.exe found as:
C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe.
Then, Microsoft support wanted to help me resolve the problem so I reinstalled SP2 again from the downloaded version. At that time I ordered the CD version. MSS couldn't resolve the problem, nor could Dell. PLEASE NOTE - THE PROBLEM I HAD HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DOWNLOAD VERSION Vs CD VERSION OF SP2.
The second time was in desperation because of the above performance problem. I did a complete reinstall of Windows XP (not an upgrade) from the Dell disk and redownloaded SP2. This reinstall of basic windows deleted the windows directory first before proceeding so I don't think the dirty install applies here. I did not reformat the HDD so I did not lose any of my other files. This reinstall fixed my performance problem (hooray) but knocked out all my applications because the reinstall of windows rebuilt the register and windows didn't recognize any of my apps anymore. I laboriously rebuilt most of the apps I really needed.
The third time, I had an app that wouldn't reinstall (I INCORRECTLY blamed it on SP2-see I was getting choppy paronoid by then) so, this time, I successfully uninstalled only SP2 through
Start-Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs
got my app fixed and used the CD I got in the mail to do the SP2 reinstall.
That's the end of the story. I am now up and running happy as a clam in the Prince William Sound. I hope this relieves your concerns.
Many thanks to you both for your detailed help and advice.
I am thoroughly convinced now. Since there are no problems with my computer I will stick with the downloaded version of SP2 and erase any doubts in my mind concerning missing/dropped files during the Windows Update download. One question though. In case of any future problems with SP2, will the cd version repair the downloaded version?
Bill,
As I kinda indicated in my previous scenerio, I thought if I needed to "repair" SP2 I should uninstall it first (using Add/Remove Programs is the easiest way) and then reinstall from the CD. This, in effect, is what I have done at least once. I don't know for really, really sure but you probably can't install SP2 on top of an existing SP2. My recommendation would be to uninstall it first.
Of course, you could try reinstalling on top and see what happens - and think of the experience you'll gain. Just be aware of the risks and be prepared to start over- and think of the experience you'll gain there, too. But, be very aware this may not be an easy thing to accomplish, as you probably know. I have taken days to rebuild mine. You just don't know what you have until you lose it.
Also, you need to keep in mind that if you reinstall SP2 from the disk, or the download for that matter, there are probably going to be additional patches on "Windows Update" that were created after SP2 was released, and those will have to be downloaded and reapplied also.
I understand your warning and advice completely. Thanks a million.
And, yes, because of your and Flooby's info., I see that I am not ready and do not want to gain that "experience" you speak of. So, as stated before in a previous post, I'll just stick to the present SP2 version installed on my computer. Nevertherless, I sympathize and empathize with you for the headaches you suffered in trying to restore your computer back to "normal" operation. It's really too bad that Microsoft didn't design SP2 in a way that a user could install the SP2 disk and use the SFC /scannow command to restore his SP2 files!
Flooby
2 Intern
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3K Posts
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November 11th, 2004 10:00
BillDill523
40 Posts
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November 12th, 2004 02:00
Flooby
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3K Posts
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November 12th, 2004 03:00
chuck33e
9 Posts
0
November 12th, 2004 16:00
I agree with Flooby. I believe you're ok with what you have.
That being said....
I have on three occasions successfully uninstalled SP2 while trying to resolve a performance issue and an application install problem. The initial upgrade to SP2 was from the downloaded version.
The first time, I had a performance problem, so I uninstalled only SP2 by double clicking spuninst.exe found as:
C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe.
Then, Microsoft support wanted to help me resolve the problem so I reinstalled SP2 again from the downloaded version. At that time I ordered the CD version. MSS couldn't resolve the problem, nor could Dell. PLEASE NOTE - THE PROBLEM I HAD HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DOWNLOAD VERSION Vs CD VERSION OF SP2.
The second time was in desperation because of the above performance problem. I did a complete reinstall of Windows XP (not an upgrade) from the Dell disk and redownloaded SP2. This reinstall of basic windows deleted the windows directory first before proceeding so I don't think the dirty install applies here. I did not reformat the HDD so I did not lose any of my other files. This reinstall fixed my performance problem (hooray) but knocked out all my applications because the reinstall of windows rebuilt the register and windows didn't recognize any of my apps anymore. I laboriously rebuilt most of the apps I really needed.
The third time, I had an app that wouldn't reinstall (I INCORRECTLY blamed it on SP2-see I was getting choppy paronoid by then) so, this time, I successfully uninstalled only SP2 through
Start-Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs
got my app fixed and used the CD I got in the mail to do the SP2 reinstall.
That's the end of the story. I am now up and running happy as a clam in the Prince William Sound. I hope this relieves your concerns.
BillDill523
40 Posts
0
November 13th, 2004 01:00
Hello, Chuck33e and Flooby:
Many thanks to you both for your detailed help and advice.
I am thoroughly convinced now. Since there are no problems with my computer I will stick with the downloaded version of SP2 and erase any doubts in my mind concerning missing/dropped files during the Windows Update download. One question though. In case of any future problems with SP2, will the cd version repair the downloaded version?
Bill D
chuck33e
9 Posts
0
November 13th, 2004 13:00
As I kinda indicated in my previous scenerio, I thought if I needed to "repair" SP2 I should uninstall it first (using Add/Remove Programs is the easiest way) and then reinstall from the CD. This, in effect, is what I have done at least once. I don't know for really, really sure but you probably can't install SP2 on top of an existing SP2. My recommendation would be to uninstall it first.
Of course, you could try reinstalling on top and see what happens - and think of the experience you'll gain. Just be aware of the risks and be prepared to start over- and think of the experience you'll gain there, too. But, be very aware this may not be an easy thing to accomplish, as you probably know. I have taken days to rebuild mine. You just don't know what you have until you lose it.
Also, you need to keep in mind that if you reinstall SP2 from the disk, or the download for that matter, there are probably going to be additional patches on "Windows Update" that were created after SP2 was released, and those will have to be downloaded and reapplied also.
BillDill523
40 Posts
0
November 14th, 2004 04:00
Chuck:
I understand your warning and advice completely. Thanks a million.
And, yes, because of your and Flooby's info., I see that I am not ready and do not want to gain that "experience" you speak of. So, as stated before in a previous post, I'll just stick to the present SP2 version installed on my computer. Nevertherless, I sympathize and empathize with you for the headaches you suffered in trying to restore your computer back to "normal" operation. It's really too bad that Microsoft didn't design SP2 in a way that a user could install the SP2 disk and use the SFC /scannow command to restore his SP2 files!
Anyway, All the best to you, Chuck, and regards.
Bill D