Microsoft Service Pack 2 - not all versions are equal; how to update to the latest one "safe

Question

I posted this under another topic where it was relevant, but thought the instructions I got from Microsoft were useful (as was my experience in using them as I sent back a reply to them with the problems I encountered [none of which were particularly bad]):
One important point to note is that not all Windows XP SP2 upgrades are equal.
I had a different issue and spoke to Microsoft, who advised me to uninstall the version of SP2 I had and reinstall the newest version (the old version was about 70mb, the new one nearly 250mb).
Apparently the old SP2 had quite a few problems with it; I've found the new one to be "simply stress free" since installing...
The SP2 file name I installed (ie the newest at the time I did it) was "windowsxp-kb835935-sp2-enu".
Here's their instructions - I disagree with the way round that they suggested downloading the update (ie I would strongly advise downloading the update and having it sitting on your desktop before doing anything!!! - please see my feedback email to them that follows (you will note that I had problems connecting to the internet after uninstalling the earlier version; this, combined with the fact that I could barely read what was on the screen would have given me a major inconvenience had I not done this)!!! (and don't blame me if it goes horribly wrong - it's also worth double-checking that the version of SP2 the email links to is the most up to date. I've had a quick check myself, and it does indeed appear to still be the most up to date):
MICROSOFT'S EMAIL (make sure you also read my reply below):
MESSAGE:****************************************** ****************************This is an email from Microsoft about your support incident.When replying to this address: + It helps us if you do not include the original message + Please keep the case number (SRxxxx) in the subject lineThank youMicrosoft Product Support Services ******************* The message from Microsoft follows ****************Hi Gregory,Firstly uninstall SP2 by going to Start>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs and then reinstall it in a clean boot.. Click Start >> Run >> In the run dialog box type msconfig and then click ok 2. Put a dot in selecti've startup 3. Uncheck all of the check boxes that become available except Process System.ini file and Load system services 4. Go to the Services tab along the top, click Hide all Microsoft Services 5. Then disable any remaining services 6. Click apply and then close 7. Finally select yes, this will start in a clean boot. 8. Then go to (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en) and download and install Service Pack 29. To return your PC to normal, open the System Configuration Utility, click "Normal Startup", click OK and restart. Then restart your computer and try accessing updates againPlease let me know the results of these methods, particularly if there were any steps that you were unable to complete successfully.
MY REPLY:
HiI successfully carried out the installation on Saturday.A few minor problems ensued (the second one may have cause a novice user real problems! Certainly caused me some concern whilst working through it!). I had to reinstall ATI drivers from scratch (for Radeon 9800 Pro); this was however the only set of drivers that appeared to "detach" itself. The main problem here was that instead of using the usual standard VGA driver (which it does when I uninstall it once a month to install updated drivers), it used some other driver that made the screen very difficult to see (especially on blue backgrounds!). Running ATI's total uninstall program sorted this out however, and fortunately I had the last update package from ATI still on my system. After uninstalling and reinstalling there appeared to be no further video problems.2. After installing SP2 (and before installing above), whilst I was in the process of getting everything up and running (eg installing the security updates) the system randomly froze about 4 or 5 times; the only way to sort this out was to use the power button. I traced this problem to Windows changing my wireless networking settings so that it handled everything; I have a Netgear adaptor the software for which usually controls this (Netgear Smart Wizard). Basically the two were trying to do the same task and causing crashes; on switching Windows management off, things settled down (the Netgear driver did not need to be reinstalled).3. As a minor point, after the upgrade and installing all other updates, I noted that Microsoft Update was no longer running; I had to reinstall it from Windows Update and the messages I got whilst installing suggested that it was still partially installed but that there were problems with it. It now works.4. As a final minor point, I attach the Scan log from Registry Mechanic which I ran after everything was up and running; it fixed various problems within the registry. I note that the majority of errors are inconsequential, but note that a few do relate to the various Microsoft installs; maybe the installer program for SP2/ Media Player 0 need to sort these out in future releases? Don't think they're a real problem though!The instructions supplied worked fine; one thing I would suggest is that users are instructed to download the SP2 upgrade pack to their desktop prior to uninstalling the original SP2; I believe that my internet connection problems started after I had uninstalled the original SP2 which may have caused problems downloading the new SP2. It also ensures that the download is successful (eg if the site was down for maintenance); I was advised whilst uninstalling SP2 that about 20 programs/drivers would not work properly after the uninstall and so the immediate reinstall was vital!One thing that seemed to fix after reinstalling was a problem I was having installing Media Player 0; after installing it previously, every time I checked for updates on it the whole program would reinstall. Now however this has fixed. I will let you know if I encounter any further problems, but things all seem to be fine now, touch wood.....!
Hope this helps!Message Edited by gjc26 on 0-27-2006 02:50 AM

Answer 1

One small thing - I believe the reason why some of my drivers were messing up was because they were SP2 specific; the older drivers and the ones that were compatible with both SP and 2 were fine.
As soon as I did the reinstall, all of the drivers/programs that were not working, worked (aside from the ones that I mentioned in my attached email above).
So, if after uninstalling the old SP2 you are told that loads of drivers/programs will not work, fear not - most should fix themselves upon installing the new SP2.
G