Installing Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Hot topics about installing SP2

Find answers to the questions most users are asking about getting or installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. This information is updated frequently so check back often to see what’s new for support information.

How to get Windows XP SP2
This article describes the ways you can obtain SP2.
Overview of SP2
Computers are becoming remarkably capable and advanced. Trouble is, so are the hackers, viruses, and worms that threaten them. That's why Microsoft has made security a top priority, and is helping users like you take a proactive approach to protecting your PC, information, and privacy.
Detailed Windows XP Service Pack 2 installation walkthrough
Walks you through the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Step-by-step: How to Install SP2

Learn what to expect about the installation process and find out what to do before installing SP2. Get step-by-step directions to help prevent problems and install SP2 successfully.

Security Help and Support for IT Professionals
Microsoft Security Help and Support for the IT professional is dedicated to help you obtain support for security-related issues such as viruses and security updates.
Detailed Windows XP Service Pack 2 installation walkthrough
Walks you through the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2.
How to use the Automatic Recovery feature if Windows XP SP2 Setup does not complete
This article discusses how to use the Automatic Recovery feature to restore your computer to its previous configuration if the installation of SP2 is not completed successfully and you cannot start your computer.
Release Notes for Windows XP SP2
This article lists Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that are included in the release notes for Windows XP SP2. This article also lists Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that document known issues and other information about Windows XP SP2 for the release notes.

Troubleshooting your SP2 installation

Already tried to install SP2 but found a problem? Read these late-breaking Web topics or search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for articles about how to address the most common SP2 setup and installation issues.

Your computer stops responding when you restart after you install Windows XP SP2
This article discusses how to resolve an issue where your computer stops responding (hangs) when you restart to complete the installation of Windows XP SP 2. This issue occurs on a limited number of systems that use a version of basic input/output system (BIOS) that does not have production support for Intel Pentium 4 and Intel Celeron D processors based on the Prescott C-0 stepping.
You receive a "Stop: c0000135" and "winsrv was not found" error message after you install Windows XP SP2
This article discusses how to resolve an issue where, after installing Windows XP SP2, you receive a "Stop: c0000135" and "winsrv was not found" error message and your computer repeatedly restarts.
Device drivers known to cause instability in SP2 are blocked during installation
SP2 contains a Driver Protection feature that helps protect operating system stability by preventing the operating system from loading drivers that are known to cause stability problems.
Release Notes for Windows XP SP2
This article lists Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that are included in the release notes for Windows XP SP2. This article also lists Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that document known issues and other information about Windows XP SP2 for the release notes.