Un-installing SP2

Question

I have been having quite a few problems "installing SP2", and after many consultations and attemtps, I "THINK" I finally did it !
But that's when the problems started.

How do I know that it is installed?
Simply because my comp's windows update does not bring up or mention installing SP2 as an update anymore.
So, I guess it is installed.

Not going over the problems, I just wanted to un-install the SP2 and install a fresh one afterwards.
However, going over the options at microsoft's website, for this process, I have come up empty.

1- My "System Restore" is wiped clean of dates prior to the installation of SP2 !
so, I cant use this one.

2- I tried the second option which is finding the hidden SP2 folder by using the "Run" option and typing :
c:\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe

but the message says it cannot find the folder !!

3- I tried the "add or remove softeware" from the control panel, and I just cannot find the "windows SP2" in any of the available softwares !!

Anyone can help me with this problem, please?

byker49 · Answer

When you go to Add/Remove programs in Control Panel make sure that the box at top of the page is checked Show Updates. If installed it should show up

jmwills · Answer

I would highly suggest you leave SP2 in there.  Most of the install problems associated with SP2 are from viral or malware files present when SP2 is installed.

jmwills · Answer

Did you have the AV running when you installed SP2?  That may be your problem.  Anyway, XP would have created a restore point prior to the install so just revert to it.

Peyz · Answer

Dear Byker49, I have already done that and it didnt show the SP2 !!
I see a lot of updates for "windows XP" , but none mentioning SP2.

dear jmwills, I have checked and re-checked my comp for any virus or spyware ( using Norton's corporate edition Antivirus & Ad-Aware ). and have come up very clean.

I am not sure about this SP2 because there are so many niggling matters, that make me doubt it.
for example, that "shield" icon ( pertaining to the antivirus/windows update/firewall programs of windows ) in the launch menu ( which is normally seen in SP2-installed comp's ), is not seen at all!
in fact when I go to the "firewall" icon in the control panel, it says :
"windows cannot start firewall/Internet connection sharing (ICS)Service"

So, I'm still stuck !!
ouch!

------------------------

I think the problem may lie with the CD that I used to upadte the windows SP2.
I got problems with my internet explorer too !
cant upgrade it !

that's why I am trying to un-install this SP2, and re-install it directly from microsoft site.
( even if it takes half a day to do so)

Message Edited by Peyz on 11-12-200601:40 AM

Peyz · Answer

Dear jmwills, I have a feeling you are spot on, with the “registry” problem.
Because when I was trying to install SP2, the installation process was halted and hung at this stage. Many times a message “unable to read from or write to database” came up. And I had to give up installation halfway through.

Although I used a fix batch file ( fixdb.bat ) which I assume did fix the glitch.

On this “slipstream SP2” , I found a few sites that explained the process.
Example : http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm
Or http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/winxp-sp2-bootcd.html
Seems tremendously complicated procedure, for someone like me !!

But what is this “OS” that I can re-load with SP2?
if it means "original software" and involves installing XP from scratch, I dont want to do that, as I will lose a couple of my programs that I have lost their CD's !
And I cant afford that.

-----------------

Dear highlander,
As a matter of fact, on clicking the system, it does show SP2 has been installed and on boot up , the progress bar is indeed blue.
But as I said earlier, there are quite a few signs that indicate a faulty installation.
Small signs like not seeing that “red shield” ( pertaining to windows firewall/windows automatic update/AV ) on the quick launch menu.
To big, massively worrying problems like suddenly having problem with validating my genuine windows, when all my windows products were purchased through Dell and never had I any problem with such matters up until now !!

Message Edited by Peyz on 11-12-200610:45 PM

Message Edited by Peyz on 11-12-200610:54 PM

Message Edited by Peyz on 11-12-200610:56 PM

Message Edited by Peyz on 11-12-200611:51 PM

jmwills · Answer

Yes, if you clean install everything is lost.  So what happens if your hard drive fails?  No difference.  You are just postponing the inevitable.

Windows General

Un-installing SP2

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