Windows XP Service Pack 2 Troubleshooting Guide
November 2004

This Troubleshooting Guide provides links to the latest information that will help with installing, troubleshooting and supporting Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Background

Overview:
Windows XP SP2 is the latest service pack that consists of fixes and security updates for Windows XP Professional Edition, Home Edition and Tablet Edition.  Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides features that are geared towards securing your computer.  It provides better protection against viruses, hackers and worms, and includes Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer and the new Windows Security Center.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/overview.mspx

Features:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/features.mspx

Minimum Requirements:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sysreqs.mspx

How to Determine If Your Computer Meets Minimum Requirements:
The Windows Update web site can be used to scan your computer.  Upon completion of the scan, if Windows XP SP2 is listed as a choice, your computer has met the requirements.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=4808

Installation

Obtaining the Latest Windows XP Service Pack:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=322389&product=windowsxpsp2

Installing Windows XP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx#top

Known Problems with Windows XP SP2:
How to Remove Windows XP SP2 from your computer:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875350

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if the Windows XP SP2 setup program is not completed successfully:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875355&product=windowsxpsp2kb

Some programs seem to stop working after installing the service pack:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242&product=windowsxpsp2

Device drivers know to cause instability:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=883775&product=windowsxpsp2

Windows XP SP2 Release Notes:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=835935&product=windowsxpsp2

Support and More Information

Additional Support Options:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?&c1=509&gprid=6794&

Additional Information on Windows XP SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/sp2install