Bootcamp and Windows XP Service Pack compatibility?

Question

Hey everyone,
I'm having a problem installing Windows XP onto my brand-new Macbook. I've got a still-in-the-package Windows XP re-installation disc from my girlfriend's computer but on the disc it says "includes Service Pack 1a". It says that I need Windows Service Pack 2 or later here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/11889.html
Upon finding the place to download Service Pack 2 on the Microsoft site, it says that you shouldn't download Service Pack 2 if it's for just one computer, here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245 -9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en
I started to try to install the disc via Bootcamp but was reluctant to partition my hard drive since I'm not sure about the Service Pack's compatibility for my Macbook.
Do I need to get a new Windows XP installation disc (as in go and buy one) or should I try to download Service Pack 2 or later from somewhere? I'm afraid to try to install Windows XP if I don't have the right disc or Service Pack. Can anyone help me?
Thanks for reading!

Answer 1

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
for Windows XP installation on a Mac using BootCamp the XP istall CD has to have at least SP2 incorporated.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1899
Using an older version usually doesn't work and creates some problems.
However you can make yourself a XP SP2 installation CD using your SP1a CD and these instructions http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxpsp2slipstream.asp
But you have to do this on a Windows PC.
And despite what Microsoft says on that "Network Installation Package" page I would always recommend using these stand-alone SP updater and not use Windows Update for such huge system updates.
Hope it helps
Stefan