"Parrott" wrote:
Quote:
>
> "Ed O'Brien" <edward.j.obrien@xxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:ujdWKCX%23JHA.1252@xxxxxx Quote:
> > Like you. I always download SPs to my Desktop and install from there
> > handing your pc over entirely to the installation.
> >
> > You must shut down all activity, including and especially firewall and
> > virus scanner - even if this means temporarily uninstalling them - and
> > even screensaver and power management options. Run any reliable registry
> > cleaner (I use Registry Mechanic) so you're up to date in that area, and I
> > suggest, but it's probably not really needed, run defrag.
> >
> > When all is ready, install SP1 first. This is vital as SP2 will not
> > install without it. This can take between 20 minutes and 60 minutes,
> > depending on your pc's spec.
> >
> > When it's done check all is okay with your favourite programmes and you
> > are happy. (Leaving things for a day or two might be a good idea but a lot
> > more work). Then, as with SP1, having made absolutely certain all
> > unessential startup programmes have been closed, proceed to install SP2.
> > This is a monster update of nearly 400Mb for 32 bit and nearly 600Mb for
> > 64 bit. This took me 50 minutes (32 bit) including the prep work, but it
> > could take as long as two hours.
> >
> > All in all, the most important element is preperation. The slightest
> > intrusion while installing either SP can cause mayhem later.
> >
> > You can uninstall SP2 if it does go belly-up but in my experience, once
> > uninstalled, it will not go back any better so getting it right first time
> > is pretty well vital.
> >
> > Good luck.
> >
> > Ed
> >
>
>
> Thanks Ed, much appreciated.
>
> God Bless... :-)
>
> I would download the ISO images and burn them to disk. That way you'll
always have an install disk and not have to download again if Windows goes
south for any reason. I did this for SP2 and it installed just fine from the
disk.