Windows XP service pack 2

[Petal~flower]

Been trying to install some software for a Zen mp3 player. But found out I need Windows XP Service pack 2.

As a pc idiot, should I not attempt this and get a more knowledgeable person to help. Can it cause any problems installing this pack? Or is it straightforward?

Thanks.

[pug100]

Hi,
If you download Sercive pack 2 from the Microsoft website, eveything should be O.K. Just follow the guides on the web page. Downloading takes a few mins and the install is about 15 mins. Try not to run any other apps whilst doing the install as it may crash your pc.
Link to Microsoft sp2 site

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default .mspx

[Petal~flower]

Thanks pug. I did have a look, and it said about backing up your files. The kids have a lot of music and pics on the pc, and I would be in mega trouble if anything happened to them!

So would I need to do backups? as I think this would be job for my 17 yr old.. more advanced user!

[vehelpfulguy]

I think it will take more than a few minutes to download.

This page says it is 226Mb and could take an hour or more to download.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.asp x?********=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5 A&displaylang=en

[vehelpfulguy]

The asterisks in the link about should be

F a m i l y I d

It does not like the letters Y I D as it is a racist term.

[Rollo]

My advice would be to back up everything somewhere other than on your hard disk before downloading and installing SP2.

[vehelpfulguy]

>The kids have a lot of music and pics on the pc, and I would be in mega trouble if anything happened to them!

Your PC or hard disk could crash at any time, even without a SP2 install ,so you should be backing up these pictures and music files anyway.

You should ALWAYS work on the principle, if this PC crashed or was stolen (or was flooded), what would we like to recover.

ANYTHING you want to recover should be backed up to CD or DVD (or as a minimum to an external hard disk)

The SP2 install COULD crash your system (it has happened to some people although I have not had any problems) so it is best to backup everything before doing an SP2 install.

This service pack replaces hundreds of Windows file and adds lots of new features and functions so it could leave your Windows unusable after install.

To be honest for security reasons you should ALREADY be on SP2, and downloading all the latest Windows updates.

By not doing so you have left you PC open to viruses, theft of personal files, and all sorts of other nasties.

This site explains why you should install it

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/why.msp x

[Petal~flower]

Thanks vehelpfulguy. Thanks very much for your help and advice. I admit we don't backup anything. But after reading your advice. Will sort things out. Cheers.

Thanks Rollo.