HOORAY! I got my MS XP SP2 upgrade in the mail YESTERDAY!!
And only 13 days after I ordered the CD from MS.

It was shipped in a flimsier envelope than the SP1 upgrade was sent in previously, and the edges of the envelope were curled up around the disk. I feared the disk was damaged - I lucked out - it was not damaged.
(No thanks to the USPS!)

Since before I even ordered the disk, I've been searching and reading everything I could find about this "patch", preparing to do the dirty deed.

I'd been to the MS item @

<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechn...sp2preview.mspx>

and read it all through as well as imported the info to my own files.

After some searching around I found the following item that I chose to use as a guide to do my "pothole repairs".

<http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm>

I followed this guide almost to the letter with the following exceptions:

I backed up all my files on CDs (8 gigs) first. I backed up all other ancillary programs I use also to separate CDs.

Then I set a fresh Restore Point. (I'm using a 2001 issued version of XP Home & Home Office with all updates from MS to the release of SP2.)

I then began to follow the list from SPACKINS:

Except #12. "Run chkdsk to check file system", and #13. “Perform Disk Cleanup (all boxes checked except Compress old files)."
I use a "System Mechanic" program to do these instead.

After completing item #15, I set another Restore Point.

When accomplishing item #16 - "Disconnect all peripherals..."
Do Not Disconnect your keyboard or mouse as I did initially! You're going to need to use them both. (Tee-hee)

After one completes the last item #23, I suggest you again set a Restore Point as I did.

After more than 16 hours of operation with the SP2 update, I've had NO PROBLEMS - what-so-ever. I've run the gamut of programs on my system with the exception of the games (which I'm waiting for kids and grandkids to test out) with out any noted glitches.

Questions?
I don't have the answers.

It would be nice if someone at "BC" would write up a tutorial like that at SPACKINS. NOT to plagiarize, but to flesh out the process, possibly explaining a bit more of what is going on.

My thanks to all that contributed to my "successful update" - too numerous to mention by nickname...

-Koan

Great read! It should also be stated that if your computer is infested spyware or other malware, XP SP2 has been known to have a lot of problems after installation.

This a shameless "bump" to put this item in the face of those who haven't searched the site for an answer to a question they pose.

UPDATE: I"ve still not had a single problem with the SP2 upgrade!!!

My McAfee AV did accomplish an upgrade to rectify a small problem they had with the SP2 upgrade - it took them all of one week from the release date +/- a day or two!

Those who are having SP2 upgrade problems need to check with MS re such; dispose of non-compliant software, hardware, etc, or shift to another OS as I'm in the process of doing myself. LINUX!!!

If you're using AOL, AIM, Yahoo, Earthlink, Lycos, or even MSN Hot-mail you put yourself at risk for everything out in the ether that's going around. If you Kaaza or P2P or down load games, you're more at risk. If you're not fire-walled tightly, running the best AV you can get, and accomplishing daily maintenance for your system via anti-spyware and malware programs then you "get what you log into..."

Harsh? Darn right! But that's the reason you've come to this site! You need help!

Pay Attention - these "Pros" will steer you in the correct direction. Whether or not you choose to follow that guidance is ....

And have some patience... it takes some time to read your post and figure out what needs to be done to help you.

~Koan

Your tongue is in you cheek as surely as the preparatory steps you took were very effective. You've answered the half of it in these few words...



Having been on that march, back from the Internet, covered with mud myself... I heartily agree. Reality rears it's ugly head up from the swamps. Online isn't the candy store, my friends. (it can get mighty foggy out there at times, no matter what your screen resolution is set at)

Very pleased to hear of your results, Koan, and all I want for Christmas is Linux under the tree.