Mike M wrote:

> I've been trying off and on to install SP2 for about a year but have
> never been able to get the installation to complete.
>
> Initially I was getting complete system crashes and now more recently
> the installation stops part way through the "backing up files" routine
> with various messages about being unable to back up certain registry
> keys.
>
> If I choose to 'ignore' the individual messages the installation
> procees continues for a little while before the final error message
> tells me that SP2 has been unable to be installed.
>
> Various other automatic updates have been successful just not SP2 !!
>
> Any bright ideas?

Since you've told us nothing about your computer or the text of the
error messages, you can't get a specific answer. Here are links to help
you troubleshoot:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#sp2 - Windows SP2 Information,
Guidelines and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting SP2 for Windows XP
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm

http://aumha.net - See SP2 forums

http://support.microsoft.com/default...r=windowsxpsp2
Note that there is a "contact a support professional" link on the upper
right.

Or take the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your
local version of BigStoreUSA) for diagnosis and fixing.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"