Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP is a recommended upgrade that fixes many issues (mainly security related). It includes all of the critical updates that have been issued since Windows XP was released, which should simplify new installations as well as reinstallations.

First, make sure you meet the system requirements:
At least a 233MHz processor
At least 64MB of RAM
At least 1.8GB of free hard disk space; SP2 is about 75MB, but apparently needs that much disk space to install.
Must be using one of these Operating Systems:
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
NOT for Windows XP 64-bit version

Once you make sure you meet these requirements, go to this link for a list of known conflicts with SP2:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...t=windowsxpsp2

If you are using any of these programs, you need to decide if you want to go ahead and deal with any problems, remove the conflicting programs, or wait for patches to come out before installing SP2.

For instance, I use three programs that are on the list; BlackIce, Norton System Works 2004, and Yahoo Instant Messenger. I’ve decided to uninstall BlackIce until a patch is available; uninstall Norton 2004 and install Norton 2002 in its place – again, until a patch comes out; leave Yahoo IM to see if it is affected, if it is, I will uninstall it until there is a fix.

Once you have decided to upgrade to SP2, there are two options:

1.) Download, which, due to its 75MB size, will take awhile, even with DSL.
-- Click on Start and look for Windows Update near the top of the list or;
-- Go to www.microsoft.com and search for the SP2 update or;
-- Turn on Automatic Update by going to the Control Panel, select System Utility, click on the Automatic Update tab.

2.) Request a CD from Microsoft at: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../winxpsp2.mspx
Of course, this means waiting for delivery by snail-mail, but installation will be much quicker and you’ll have it if you ever need to reinstall Windows XP. Also, if you have dial-up, you won’t keep your line tied up for hours or have to worry about being disconnected (not that that ever happens, right?).

Hope this information will help someone.

doesnt XP need at least 128MB to even run?