Safety First - SP2 (XP SP 1)

[glenlisa2]

Is there a way to save (back Up) XP home SP 1 with updates in place prior to loading SP2. Just in case!

Thanks

[JohnGray]

I'd be amazed, nay speechless, if the SP2 install did NOT set a System Restore Point before commencing. Theoretically that should enable you to roll back should unhappiness occur...

John

[glenlisa2]

I may be being overly cautious but I would like to save xp sp1 with all patches in tact to cd, so that, I could use the cd to restore the system to it former glory, if needed. Is this possible? If so, could assist with a detailed procedure or point me in the right direction.
Thanks

[JohnGray]

The only absolute way to do this would be to take an image copy of your hard disk to another disk which is at least as large as the amount of space you are using on your current disk. It's not uncommon to buy an external hard disk in an enclosure, which connects via USB.

A CD is microscopically tiny (although somewhat bigger than a diskette, of course!) to hold all the data (folders, files, registry entries, customisations) that you would need to back up. It might be possible to do backups selectively to a CD, but I don't know of any program which would help you do such a selection. You'd probably be faced with reinstalling all your other software, anyway. You're probably looking at a DVD's worth of space....

John

[glenlisa2]

Thanks for your input. Will investigate my options.

[Rebel]

You will find that the SP2 installation creates a directory under Windows ($NtServicePackUninstall$) which contains all of the files which have been modified or deleted by SP2. You will also find that "Windows XP Service Pack 2" is added tp the "Add/Remove Programs" in the Control Panel. So in addition to the restore point method, you may also remove SP2 through "Add/Remove" and everything will be rolled back to SP1. Looks like MS has been very careful on this one.

[DaveA]

John is correct about the SP2 uninstall. It was tested on EVERY build that I installed as the earlier build had to be uninstalled back to SP 1 before a newer build could be installed. They ALL worked with NO problems.

[StuartR]

Note that most service packs can only be deinstalled for a short time, as the deinstallation will restore all the DLLs etc that were in use before the upgrade. As you add and upgrade hardware and programs this becomes more and more problematic.

StuartR

[JoeP517]

Stuart,
Very true. A user should keep the service pack uninstall folder around only until they are satisfied that the system is stable and running well.
Then a system backup and delete the folder are in order. I'll proably give the systems at work & home a couple more weeks just to be safe.

Joe

[glenlisa2]

The wisdom and advice you WMVp guys provide is terrific and the greatest learning environment I come across. Keep up the good work! I am learning every day. Congratulations on your appointment as a WMVP.

Thanks All