Anyway to upgrade an SP2 beta to SP2 final

[krackato]

Well, before I do a format and reinstall (oh the pain!) is there any way to upgrade an SP2 beta (Release Canidate 1 to be exact) to SP2 final? My SP2 build is v.2096

 

[spyordie007]

If it's RC1 you can just install RTM right over top of it; no need to format or even uninstall.

With any of the betas released prior to RC1 you would need to uninstall them before you could apply RTM.

 

[krackato]

What is RTM? I've tried to install WindowsXP-SP2-2180-ENU-FINAL.exe, but it give me message that says "This Service Pack cannot be installed on top of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 build currently installed on your compuer. Cancel this installation process, uninstall your current Windows XP Service Pack 2 build, then re-install this Service Pack."

Which basically makes me think I'm SOL. How do you uninstall a service pack build? Is there no workaround?!! Am I doomed to having to format and reinstall?!! NOOO!!!!!

 

[spyordie007]

I dont know what "WindowsXP-SP2-2180-ENU-FINAL.exe" is but that's not the name of the network install off Microsoft's site; first thing I would ensure you really have SP2 and not something older, something hacked, etc. Visit Microsoft's site and download the real deal (link in FAQ in my sig).

RTM = Release To Manufacture (final build)

As far as how to uninstall an old SP there should be an option under add/remove programs. However you shouldnt have to do this if it really is running RC1 now and you are applying RTM. Also keep in mind that if you do uninstall the old service pack you'll likely have to reinstall any application you've installed while running the beta/rc.

 

[krackato]

Sigh...

Well, I downloaded the file in your FAQ and just as I thought, it's the exact same file that I have. I figured it was going to be since I checked the MD5 checksum on my file and it checked out. And evidently my beta is RC1 so I guess I'll be formatting. Ah well, thanks for the help.

 

[mikecel79]

Check under Add/Remove programs and look for an uninstall for the pre-RC1 SP. If this really is RC1 then you can just upgrade it.

 

[krackato]

Nothing in the Add/Remove programs listings. I got the WinXP SP2, RC1 as an ISO from slightly less than official sources (but I have a legit SP1 cd, so I figured whatever).