Windows XP Service Pack 2 (Part 2): Installing Service Pack 2 (889736)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SUMMARY

This article is Part 2 of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Step by Step guide. This part explains how to install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

To view the other topics of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Step by Step guide, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that are listed in the "References" section.

The Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Step by Step guide includes the following topics:
Part 1:  Better security with Service Pack 2

Part 2:  Installing Service Pack 2

Part 3:  The new Security Center

Part 4:  Automatic Updates

Part 5:  Virus protection

Part 6:  Windows Firewall

Part 7:  Protecting against buffer overflows

Part 8:  Improvements in Internet Explorer and Outlook Express

Part 9:  Uninstalling Service Pack 2

MORE INFORMATION

Part 2: Installing Service Pack 2

Windows XP SP2 is very easy to install. The quickest method is to use Windows Update. If you want to update multiple computers, you can use the installation package for IT professionals.

How to upgrade Microsoft Windows Update

You may have to download the latest version of the Windows Update software before you install Windows XP SP2. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. To start Windows Update, click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update. The computer checks which version of Windows Update is currently installed.
  2. If the latest version of Windows Update is not installed, click Install Now.

    Windows Update - Install Now

  3. When the installation is finished, you can use Windows Update. Click Express Install. Windows Update now advises you of all available updates.

    Windows Update - Express/Custom install

  4. The Background Intelligent Transfer Service is the first tool offered. Click Download and Install Now.

    Upgrade Windows Update

    You do not have to do anything for the rest of the updates. The updates will be installed automatically.
  5. You must restart the computer for the changes to take effect. When you are prompted, click Restart Now. You can now install Windows XP SP2.
Note You may have to perform additional steps. You can only download SP2 after all other required updates have been installed. Restart Windows Update, click the Express Install option, and then click Install.

Tip

For security reasons, you should back up data and create an image of the Windows partition before you install Windows XP SP2. This lets you restore the previous state quickly and easily if a problem occurs.

Installing Windows XP SP2 by using Windows Update

If you have successfully installed all the updates that are described in the previous steps, you can now install Windows XP SP2. Windows Update advises you to install this critical update. Windows XP SP2 must be installed separately from other updates. Click Install Updates to start installation. The download file is approximately 95 megabytes (MB). If it is possible, we recommend that you download the file by using a high-speed Internet connection.

How to install Windows XP SP2 on a single computer

  1. Start Windows Update. To do this, click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
  2. Click Express Install. Under High-Priority Updates, you see Windows XP Service Pack 2.

    Express Results - SP2

    Click Install Updates.
  3. Accept the terms of the End User License Agreement. Click I Accept.

    Installation EULA

  4. The download starts automatically. You do not have to perform any other steps.

    Updates being downloaded and installed...

    When the download is finished, the Windows XP SP2 Setup Wizard starts. This wizard also automatically finishes all the steps that are required.

    Setup Wizard - Welcome screen

  5. Installation is prepared and performed.

    Setup Wizard - Inspecting configuration

  6. You do not have to perform any steps until the installation is finished. You must then restart the computer for the changes to take effect. Click Restart Now.

    Installation complete, restart prompt

  7. When the computer has restarted, you can immediately help make it more secure. Click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now, and then click Next.

    Windows XP Help Protect Your PC by turning on Automatic Updates

  8. You can now log on as you typically do. Windows XP SP2 installation is finished. The new Security Center opens automatically and informs you of the security status of the computer.

    Security Center overview

How to download a network installation package

If you want to update multiple computers, it is more convenient to download the whole installation package one time and then to install the package as frequently as it is required. The download file is approximately 270 MB. A high-speed Internet connection is required to download the package.

To download the network package, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

To obtain support for the network installation package, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) for IT Professionals

REFERENCES

For more information about this topic, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

889735 Better security with Service Pack 2 (Part 1)

889737 The new Security Center (Part 3)

889738 Automatic Updates (Part 4)

889739 Virus protection (Part 5)

889740 Windows Firewall (Part 6)

889741 Protecting against buffer overflows (Part 7)

889742 Improvements in Internet Explorer and Outlook Express (Part 8)
889743 Uninstalling Service Pack 2 (Part 9)

This article is a translation from German. Any subsequent changes or additions to the original German article may not be reflected in this translation. The information that is contained in this article is based on the German-language versions of this product. The accuracy of this information relative to other language versions of this product is not tested within the framework of this translation. Microsoft makes this information available without warranty of its accuracy or functionality and without warranty of the completeness or accuracy of the translation.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/5/2006
Keywords:kbhowto KB889736
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