Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

I installed it after a format and reload of xp. No probs what-so-ever!. Quite like the pop up stopper though!!

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Errrrrrrrrrrr, what's a re-format & how do I do a re install of XP???..........see I really am that bad!!! :dunce:

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

At it's simplest level it means you will be completely wiping your PC of all the data held on it. So stage 1 must be to back up everything you might want (emails, letters, photos, but also any software and similar gumpf).

If you put your original windows XP CD into the drive, then switch the PC off, and on again, hopefully you will have an option come up to reboot from the CD rather than it going straight to the Hard Disk, and current windows installation. If it doesn't boot from CD, you may need to edit the boot sequence in your BOIS settings. Depending on your computer as you switch it on, before it gets as far as any windows logo, hold down the DEL, or F2 keys. Be very sure and careful of any changes you make in the BOIS as you can make some very nasty changes.

When you do get to boot from the Windows CD, you will have the option to repair or install windows. You want to install. But first when you get the option as to where to install, on which partition, you want to format the partition. You may have to delete the partition first and recreate it to force the formating. By formating you will ensure no trace of your old windows settings exist that could continue corruptions into your new setup.

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

reformat basically means wiping the hard drive, everything gone. You'll need an XP disc to reinstall.....asuming you got one for your puter!

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Well said!

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

I've installed it on two computers and had no problems whatsoever.
I think it's pointless people "waiting to see if my applications will work" because the majority are running 32-bit CPUs and the only minor issue with compatibilty is caused by AMD64 CPUs when you enable No-Execute extensions and a program fails, which is easy to solve when you run into it because you just click "Allow"!

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

I have to agree with the not waiting to see bit. You could but meanwhile M$ are already releasing patches based on users running SP2, not earlier versions. Thus, any new major exploit from viruses, and the like may not be properly dealt with. In the meantime something like SP2 and what it does to your PC will have been extensively tested, with all mainstream software and hardware before release. Thus, unless you really do have something obscure running on your PC, I cannot see how your mainstream programs would be affected.

The bigger difficulty with any patch tends to be the numerous permutations of hardware. In my view it's more likely to be that which will kill an upgrade to SP2. I've no upgraded my home PC, laptop and all work PCs, with SP2, no difficulties, once I downloaded the full update option (so you didn't use the internet download specific to a PC). The online update was troublesome, but that's more likely to be down to the vagaries of the internet connection. Download the whole thing and install from that executable, and I rekon its OK.

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

I've now installed this on at least 10 computers without a hitch ....

I do the following before I install it ....

• Do a disk cleanup (Right click on the drive in My computer)
• Run Spybot S&D
• Run Adaware SE
• Clear out temp areas
• Do a defrag
• Do antivirus scan
• Install SP2

Worked so far :D

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Cheers Nem......I'll give it a go now :tu: :)

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Unless you are on the internet, I see no reason to install SP2.
As long as you have SP1 and an adequate firewall, do not use Internet Explorer and Outlook as there are better more secure equivilents, then I dont think there is a need for it.

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Now that sounds easier to me!!! Will try it later after Ramrod has let us know if it was ok for him ;)

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

It's gonna take a while to do all of that but I'll wade through it and let you know at the end :tu: :)

edit.....well, 'disc cleanup' bluescreened my pc :disturbd:

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Your machine is notoriously dodgy anyway .... IMO it really needs a complete KDRB ..(Knock Down Re Build).

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

Or putting into a very large dustbin bag.

Re: XP SP2 Should I or shouldn't I?
 

I know, I know..........just can't be ars*d to reformat and haven't got permission to get the Alienware yet :dozey: :D

Though it does manage to run UT2004 with all the bells and whistles turned on :shrug:

edit--found a fix for the disk cleanup crash here......seems it's a common problem with win XP