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Upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

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Description
Microsoft has released the Service Pack 2 (SP2) upgrade for Windows XP. This document contains important information about how to prepare a notebook before upgrading to Windows XP SP2 .
Because many of these steps will require restarting the, please print this page, or bookmark this page in the web browser's favorites folder.
NOTE: Microsoft provides extensive, free technical support for Windows XP Service Pack 2. Click this link to view the Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center (in English).
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Solution
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 can be easy when the computer's hardware and software are completely up-to-date before upgrading. HP has compiled a list of recommended performance and application upgrades. Perform the following methods to insure that the PC's software is in the best possible condition before installing SP2.
NOTE: Click this link to review the Known issues with HP products and XP Service Pack 2 before beginning the upgrade.
Method 1: Back-up critical information
Protect personal files by making a copy of the files (back-up) to an external media BEFORE installing the SP2 upgrade. Click this link for details on Microsoft's Windows XP Backup Made Easy (in English).
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Method 2: Clean the PC
Windows XP Service Pack 2 may fail to install or may not install properly if the notebook is compromised by certain viruses, spyware, and malware. Microsoft and HP recommend checking the computer's hardware specifications and removing malicious software before upgrading to Windows XP SP2.
For information on cleaning your notebook PC see Computer May be Infected with a Virus or Malicious Software .
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Method 3: Install critical Windows updates
Before upgrading to SP2, connect to the Microsoft web site and download all critical updates using the Windows Update tool. Do one of the following steps to start Microsoft Windows Update:
  • Click Start , then click All Programs and then select Windows Update .
  • Click this link to view the Microsoft Windows Update Web site (in English).
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Method 4: Perform automated HP System Check
Using HP System Check, a notebook is automatically checked against all of the performance and software issues listed in the tables below. The HP System Check also addresses other problems and the recommended software updates.
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Method 5: Identify software updates needed after upgrade
Most companies provide free updates for their software products. HP and Compaq notebook PCs come with a wide variety of software titles not made by HP. After installing SP2, if there is an issue with a software title or a hardware device driver and the update cannot be found from the HP Web site, look on the product manufacturer's Web site for the latest updates.
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Method 6: Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 from Microsoft
Once the computer is ready to install Service Pack 2, obtain the upgrade from Microsoft using one of the options below:
NOTE: As a Microsoft policy, Only a limited number of computers get to download SP2 each day to prevent the download site from being overloaded. Computers that use Automatic Updates are served first. To enable Automatic Updates, click Start , right-click My Computer , click the Automatic Updates tab, select the checkbox, and click OK .
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Related links
Click the following links for more information about Microsoft Windows XP SP2.
Microsoft Web page: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Center (in English)
Microsoft article 875350: How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 from your computer (in English)
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