Is there any way to back up SP2?

[HeXploiT]

I'm getting ready to do a clean install of xp and i'm wondering if there's any way that i can backup sp2 without backing up all my other system settings/reg values and other garbage. If there's no way to back up the service packs are they by chance stored somewhere on the hd so that i can copy and reinstall them after i have xp installed?

 

[spyordie007]

The best thing to do would be to just go to the windows update website after you have reinstalled windows and install the service pack from there. You can also download it ahead of time by visiting:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta...-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

note: downloading the full service pack is a considerably larger download than just allowing windows update to do it.

EDIT: a 3rd option would be to create your own windows CD that has the sp2 files already added (this is called slipstreaming, a quick google search will give you information on how to do it).

 

[HeXploiT]

Downloading them is what i'm trying to avoid as i'm temporarily stuck on 56k. Slipstreaking sounds like a good idea for future installs though.

 

[spyordie007]

Depending on your time frame you could order the SP on CD (Microsoft will ship it to you).

You could also download the SP on someone elses broadband connection and burn it to CD.

Lastly it isnt the end of the world that you're running a 56k connection. You could just run w/ SP1 (or even Gold, just make sure the fire-wall is on before you connect it to the internet) and turn on automatic updates which will pull it down in the background with idle bandwidth. You'd have to leave your dial-up connection running for an extended period of time but it would get you the SP and wouldnt be overly invasive.

Good Luck,

-Erik

 

[FuZoRBlade]

Actually if you search google for "slipstream windows service pack 2" you should find a nice article on how to integrate windows XP into your install

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: FuZoRBlade
Actually if you search google for "slipstream windows service pack 2" you should find a nice article on how to integrate windows XP into your install

He would need the SP in order to do that (which he doesnt have).

Oh yeah, and I already mentioned slipstreaming (and searching google for instructions) in my OP

 

[John]

Ask a friend, relative, or a local computer shop if they'll download the SP2 Network Installation and burn it to a cd for you.