Member Avatar for american212001

I can't uninstall SP2. I get a message that reads "specified file not located" "SP2 not uninstalled" I've even tried uninstalling it in when I was in ssafe mode. If anybody has any tips plz let me know.

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— the symptom described points to missing or corrupted SP2 uninstall files or interference from third‑party software (Norton). asked why someone would remove SP2; most compatibility problems are better solved by updating the affected applications, but when an uninstall is needed the following checklist covers the practical recovery options.

  1. Check for the uninstall folder and run the uninstaller directly if present:
C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$
C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe

If that spuninst.exe exists, run it (or use Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs -> Show updates -> remove the Service Pack).

  1. If that folder is missing, try System Restore to a point before SP2 was applied (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore or run rstrui.exe). System Restore is often the simplest safe rollback.

  2. If there is no suitable restore point, reinstall the full SP2 standalone package from Microsoft (the full redistributable). That will recreate the uninstall files; after reinstall and reboot, use Add/Remove Programs to remove SP2. Before doing this, create a new restore point and back up personal data.

  3. Norton can block installers/uninstallers. Use Symantec/Norton’s official removal utility (Norton Removal Tool) or reinstall the same Norton build and then uninstall it properly. Running the removal tool from Safe Mode with Networking can help.

Final notes: keep complete backups and the Windows XP CD/product key available before attempting repair or reinstall. Removing SP2 lowers OS security; where possible update the problem applications or get SP2-compatible versions instead of dropping the service pack.

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Member Avatar for Zachery

For what reason do you need to remove sp2?

Member Avatar for american212001

I would like to remove it, because it's messing up programs on my computer. Oh and also I can't uninstall norton anti-virus.

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