SP2 problems - afraid to re-install

Question

Back when Windows started their Service Pack updates, to SP2 specifically, I had so many problems on my Dimension 8200 that it crippled me and eventually had to uninstall and fix things.  Know 2 other people with similar problems. Now I have to upgrade my system to XP Professional and I'm worried it will make me update to SP2 again and I DON'T WANT TO DO IT...   all IT people could never figure out my issues with the SP2, but everything has 'pretty much' been fine without it.... get occasional crashings, but don't see that it's related to that at all.   Does anyone have any sound advice as to what might be the issue, since I've heard many times that Dell actually was telling people NOT TO INSTALL THIS SP2 back like 2 years  ago... Has anything changed?  Will I be made to install it once on XP Professional on this machine?

fireberd · Answer

Most users do not have any problems with SP2.  What we see on this forum is a very small percentage of all Dell users.  All the customers I support (various brands of PC's) that have Windows XP (whatever version, Home, Pro, Media) all have SP2 installed and none have any problems.   If you are going to go to XP, Pro, do a clean install (reformat the hard drive, install the OS and then the other Dell chipset drivers (if applicable to your system) and Dell device drivers).  If you do a clean install and then install the SP's you should not have any problems.    Just upgrading (installing over the existing installed OS) usually results in many problems and ultimately a clean install will be required so just do it to start with.  Backup your user data before doing the hard drive reformat.  Also, with just an 'upgrade' most of your applications programs will have to be reinstalled anyway so another reason to do the clean install.

whyvet · Answer

In doing this clean up and reinstalling things, will I need to reinstall EVERYTHING - billing software, Money, Office?

ctalia4000 · Answer

Hi WhyVet, Yes, You need to reinstall all software. You might want to call your local support person to backup your system, and install the upgrade. Carolyn

Pterminiator · Answer

If you wish to install the SP2 upgrade to Windows XP (either Home Edition or Professional), After you complete an Operating system installation, it would be best to install the Service pack following the device driver loads, and no programs installed. Once completed you should be able to install your programs, have all of your hardware functional, as well as internet functions working whether it be via remote access dial up or ethernet.

Windows General

SP2 problems - afraid to re-install

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