I recently re-installed my OS, Windows XP SP1, downloaded and installed
updates (for SP1). Then I downloaded SP2--(Microsoft) Windows Update tells
me so. But when Windows Update tries to install SP2, my computer freezes
halfway through, and I have to shut down my computer. Re-booting shows me a
message that my OS is in an unstable configuration. Add and Remove Programs
tells me SP2 is installed. Can you tell me (1) where SP2 is located, and (2)
how to finish installing SP2?

On a related note: after re-installing my OS, (most) of my programs were
still intact, but (most) won't run. I can use IE, but not any of the
antivirus or antispyware programs. Is there a simple way to restore these
programs?

The unusable programs may need to be reinstalled.

Did you intend to perform a Repair Installation or Clean Installation?
Since some of your programs remained, you did not perform a Clean
Installation.
Whatever your original problem was may remain on the computer.

Right click My Computer and click Properties.
What Service Pack is listed?
If not SP-2, follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Mike Fisher" <MikeFisher@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4AB20534-8ED7-4E2F-A79D-0A9CD82A14D2@microsoft.com...
>I recently re-installed my OS, Windows XP SP1, downloaded and installed
> updates (for SP1). Then I downloaded SP2--(Microsoft) Windows Update
> tells
> me so. But when Windows Update tries to install SP2, my computer freezes
> halfway through, and I have to shut down my computer. Re-booting shows me
> a
> message that my OS is in an unstable configuration. Add and Remove
> Programs
> tells me SP2 is installed. Can you tell me (1) where SP2 is located, and
> (2)
> how to finish installing SP2?
>
> On a related note: after re-installing my OS, (most) of my programs were
> still intact, but (most) won't run. I can use IE, but not any of the
> antivirus or antispyware programs. Is there a simple way to restore these
> programs?

Mike Fisher wrote:

> I recently re-installed my OS, Windows XP SP1, downloaded and installed
> updates (for SP1). Then I downloaded SP2--(Microsoft) Windows Update tells
> me so. But when Windows Update tries to install SP2, my computer freezes
> halfway through, and I have to shut down my computer. Re-booting shows me a
> message that my OS is in an unstable configuration. Add and Remove Programs
> tells me SP2 is installed. Can you tell me (1) where SP2 is located, and (2)
> how to finish installing SP2?
>
> On a related note: after re-installing my OS, (most) of my programs were
> still intact, but (most) won't run. I can use IE, but not any of the
> antivirus or antispyware programs. Is there a simple way to restore these
> programs?

Why did you reinstall? To fix a problem? If that's the case the system
might still have had vestiges of the problem and hence the SP2 update
didn't work properly. There must not be any underlying problems or the
SP2 update won't go well.

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if
the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfully
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875355

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875350

Installing Service Packs
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Pre-Install, Install, Cleaning Up Afterwards
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/s...hattoknow.mspx

Get the Latest Updates and Information from Your PC Manufacturer Before
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837783

Free Technical Support for SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...09&gprid=6794&

--
Rock
MS MVP Windows - Shell/User