Would you install SP2 over a long lived XP install?

ps3ud0 · 21 May 2007 at 01:13

Silly question,

I wanted to install VB.NET 2005 but as it requires XP SP2 and Ive only got SP1 installed it wont continue the install. To only reason I havent installed SP2 already is that I normally only do this as part of a fresh install.

Its probably time for me to wipe and reinstall (and install some new stuff) but I havent got the time at the moment with work and exams and I dont want to go through all the annoyance of getting everything on there again.

So my question is should I just whack SP2 on top of my install as it is or am I likely to corrupt my install and just make things worse? I really cant afford losing the setup...

Im considering just getting another HD and getting a second XP install on there and leaving this intact for now - think Im mad/lazy?

ps3ud0 :cool:

t31os · 21 May 2007 at 01:45

Create a system restore point, install it, if you get problems then use the restore...

Can't see why you'd have a problem though, i've never had a problem with SP2 on any of the 3 home pc's, 2 were service packed later on.

binaryknight · 21 May 2007 at 02:21

since i dont use restore id make an image via ghost or alternative and if sp2 causes any issues revert back to sp1 image

cant see any problems tho, however if its a very old install id format and reinstall just to clear out all the junk

bledd · 21 May 2007 at 02:46

if its a long lived system as you say, much better off slipstreaming SP2 into your xp disc and formatting

Philio · 21 May 2007 at 03:31

Considering that SP2 was released 3 years ago this August you must have had your XP install a hell of a long time and without SP2 you probably have about a billion other updates to install on Windows update too!! The last time I did a clean install of XP SP2 there were about 80 or 90 updates froim Windows Update.

I've never seen a service pack install break windows on NT/2000 or XP platforms, but considering how long you have had XP installed and it hasn't been causing you too much trouble (I assume) I can see why you cautious to update. I wouldn't think you have too much to worry about it should inprove your system not break it.

marc2003 · 21 May 2007 at 03:39

here's a few things you should uninstall completely before attempting to install sp2 over the top

image mounting tools (daemon tools, virtual clone drive. etc)
3rd party cd writing software (nero etc)
all 3rd party anti virus/firewall software

NathanE · 21 May 2007 at 09:00

Just install it. My old machine went thru XP RTM (installed Feb' 2002), dozens of hot fixes, SP1, dozens of hot fixes, SP2, dozens of hot fixes... and not once did it miss a beat. And that machine had just about everything installed on it.