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XP service pack problem.

asthmatic camel

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Apr 23, 2003
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I recently tried to install Service Pack 2 on a fairly old machine running an OEM version of XP home. As there is no internet connection at the site, the machine has not been updated since it was purchased, and I used a Micro$oft CD of SP2. About half way through, the installation failed and a warning was displayed that a system file could not be found. (Sorry, I can't remember which one.) Sure enough, the file wasn't present on either the original or the SP2 CDs.

Does this mean that SP1 or other updates need to be installed before SP2 will install? The only workaround I can think of is to bring the box home and plug it into my broadband connection. This isn't ideal as I'm not allowed to drive for a while and my only means of transport is a cycle.

Anyone got any better ideas?
 
Out of date

I believe there was a time limit to the availability of SP2 being able to be downloaded. I remember getting a notice on this a while back. So upgrading to SP2 may not be possible unless you can contact Microsoft.
I HATE XP and it is a nightmare for advanced users. I've had more issues with XP than any other program. The compatibility issue is extremely frustrating. So check for compatibility to see if there could be issues there. That could effect some downloads/upgrades.
If you keep having issues, you may have to re-install and pray for the best.
 
Run the SP2 update again so you can see what the missing file is, you'll almost certainly be able to download it freely (and legally) from somewhere. I've updated many old systems to SP2 and never had an insurmountable problem. You do not need to install any extra updates before installing SP2, even if you had used an original no-pack original XP CD to do the initial install. Make sure your hardware is working OK.

SP2 will check for a legitimate Product Key. This may be the stumbling block as some large brand-name PC manufacturers will use a volume-licence key when they ship the PC and then put the sticker with 'your' key on the box afterwards. Download a key checker (you'll have to sniff around for one) and see that it tallies with the one on your official sticker.
 
And another thing: The time limit goodgirl is thinking of refers to the initial period when SP2 came out and it was an optional download. This has run out, meaning that SP2 is a critical download and cannot be avoided if you want any more recent updates. So there is no danger of not being able to upgrade (and SP2 is an upgrade, especially if you are going to be on the internet and using a wireless connection).
 
You're also going to enjoy the requirement to "activate" the product after it's installed, which if you don't, it will cease to function eventually. At least I think that's the latest from Microsoft.
 
Installing SP2 will not require going through product activation again, that would arise only if you did a full OS repair (or complete reinstall). Or if you changed motherboard and CPU (or similar combo of major system components).
 
In the end I had to bring the box home on the bus and download & install SP1 before SP2 would work. I suppose I could have set up a dial up connection at the owner's home and waited a week, but it hardly seemed worth it.

It seems a bit poor that the Micro$oft CD didn't contain all the necessary files; I'd ordered the thing precisely because there was no broadband connection available.

And Pyrrho, yes, I'm thoroughly sick of having to 'phone Microsoft to reactivate XP every time I upgrade my hardware or buy a new machine. If I wasn't so lazy, I'd try Linux instead.
 
I hope you don't mind if I kind of hijack the thread here, but I'm wondering if there is a download of SP2 available that does not attempt to install on the fly, and if so, where/how it is done? I would like to download the thing and then install it off line. Even though I have DSL I've had some bad luck with on-line updates in the past. Can this be done easily without sending for the CD?

I have XP home, and so far have done well without either SP1 or 2, but figure it's probably a good idea at least to have it ready.
 
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