It would help to know the specific system model to which you're referring, but for starters, prior to installing SP2, did you perform a thorough disk cleanup, to include all options in that utility?  Have you run a thorough scandisk recently (and prior to installing SP2)?  Added any hardware since the system was new?  Which BIOS version is on the system?  Are there newer versions available?  Have you installed any of them?  (Advisable, prior to installing SP2.)

I have yet to see a Dell desktop built since late 1999 that won't accept SP2, and I'm running it on some pretty old dinosaurs here, but the hardware configurations are fairly close to original (NICs and SCSI cards are about all that's been added).

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@brebeans wrote:

 

I can also send you some info on my system if you'd like, but Microsoft tech support walked me through numerous steps to be sure my system was ready for SP2 and it evidently wasn't.

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Without knowing which specific system model you're talking about, it's impossible to determine the accuracy of Microsoft's assessment of the situation, but I tend to doubt it very much.

Hi:

Thanks. I have a Dimension 8300 desktop with Windows XP Professional.  It has 512 RAM, 120 Gb hard drive.  I purchase it about 14 months ago and it currently has SP1.

I am not on my system right now and won't be able to access all the specifics.  What else would be helpful for you to know, or is this enough?

Thanks again.

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brebeans wrote:

I did a system scan and ran Adaware.  By "system scan," do you mean that you did run Scandisk (a Windows hard drive utility, not a third party virus or malware scan) prior to installing SP2?  What about the thorough Disk Cleanup that was mentioned earlier? I have now contacted Dell for support on this.  I can pretty much guarantee you that prior to offering much of anything else, if the tech is doing his/her job correctly, they're more than likely going to have you address these items, as well as having you determine your current BIOS version (available via System Information in Programs - Accessories - System Tools - see image below), and whether any updates are indicated (see Product Support above - Downloads link.  This is part of the responsibility the user accepts as a condition of the warranty and service contract, so be prepared to work with them on this, if you expect to have them honor their end of the deal.  They will also more than likely have you run the Dell Diagnostics (details are in your system documentation under "Solving Problems"), if they suspect a hardware issue (which they shouldn't, based on what I'm seeing here, but one can never be quite sure).

 

I am not familiar with the BIOS and other things.  I'd suggest acclimating yourself with such details, as this is something you should be aware of, along with basic troubleshooting steps.

 

I have purchased Dell extended warranty for technical support.   Since I have paid for extended warranty tech support, I believe that Dell should address my issue now, since I have tried a variety of options to solve this. See above - the warranty requires that the user be prepared to perform basic troubleshooting steps.

 

I am not phobic about trying to fix things myself, walk through troubleshooting steps, but when they don't work (or worse, cause more problems for my system) I believe that Dell should help me out.  They will, but you have to meet them half way.

 

I'm just a bit frustrated since I've had problems in the past with Dell customer service.  You're not alone, however the whole process is a lot less troublesome when you take the time to review your user documentation carefully, as well as acquaint yourself with basic problem solving steps and resources available for resolving common issues.

 

 

Hi:

Thanks.  I will follow your advice and, I believe, have followed some basic trouble shooting steps as well.

Hopefully, I will get my computer up and running correctly. Bottom line, given the negative things I've read about the impact of SP2 on various systems, I'm tempted to just "uninstall it correctly", rather than install it correctly.  Any advice on that front?

I appreciate your feedback and will save venting of my frustration for either Microsoft or Dell.

Thanks.

 

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@brebeans wrote:

Bottom line, given the negative things I've read about the impact of SP2 on various systems, I'm tempted to just "uninstall it correctly", rather than install it correctly.  Any advice on that front?

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I believe that most, if not all of the known issues associated with SP2 and mass produced desktop systems have been adequately identified and addressed, at least on a case by case basis.  Assuming that your system isn't affected by the well publicized Prescott processor issue (and I believe they've come up with a patch for that one, too), there's no good reason to forgo installing a Critical Update for your operating system.  There are a lot of good reasons to install it, though.  

Flooby, How did you bring up the System Information on your computer in the above post?

Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Information.  The Belarc Advisor gives a bit more detailed rundown, but for the purpose of finding basic information, System Information will do.

Hi:

thanks.  i got the system info, too.

I tried several things and also picked up an SP2 CD .  Thought that might work better than the download.

I called Dell support and got someone quickly.

He said, install the CD....after about 40 minutes (after several windows of installing files, etc>) I get that familiar "access denied" window. 

The tech said that the OS needs to be removed and that I need to re install Windows XP and then try to intall SP2 again. OR, that the Dimension 8300 might be incompatible with SP2 service pak.

He told me to back up all files and to call tech support back for the uninstall and reinstall.

This will take an additional 1-2 hours according to him. 

I am sorry I ever attempted to install SP2. 

Will I automatically lose my files? I know I have to back them up.  Should I just do that on CD?

Will my files automatically be lost if I don't back up some of them?

I am writing this from a laptop that I have.

My Dell Dimension is even worse now ...I can't open email and the computer shut down when I tried to open IE.

Any suggestions, recommendations, precautionary measures or advice for when I need to reinstall.

I have lots of music, wedding pictures, financial and other info on my Dimension desktop.  How do I make sure I dont lose it?

Thanks a lot for any help.

 

Hi:

My BIOS date is April 2003

and BIOS are labled A05.

How do I know if I need to update my BIOS?

After everything, I need to reinstall Windows XP and hope that SP2 installs correctly.

I now cannot access the internet or use my Microsoft Outlook.

 

As a Dell corporate tech i have seen many issues with SP2. This first thing to remembe is to disable or uninstall any anti-virus and firewall software that u running. next is to kill as many processes as u can before the install. install SP2 off a cd or download the network install (url to come). i would also disconnect all periphrials. i have never had a problem installing SP2 before so i hope this helps.

network install url: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en